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Ruth Yoo

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Abnormal Cervical Cytology and Positive Human Papillomavirus Test Result Rates and Rates of Cervical Precancer and Cancer in an Urban Patient Population

Name Ruth Yoo
Institution New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
Research Field Population Cancer Research
Role at Institution Post-Baccalaureate Researcher
Presenter(s) Ruth Yoo, Olivia Cory

Abstract

Abnormal Cervical Cytology and Positive Human Papillomavirus Test Result Rates and Rates of Cervical Precancer and Cancer in an Urban Patient Population

Authors: Olivia Cory, Ruth Yoo, Ahmed Saleh, Noah Wheaton, Michael Lewis

Institution: New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital

Introduction
There remain significant discrepancies in rates of cervical cancer among different ethnic and socioeconomic populations. Current guidelines recommend HPV screening and pap smears every 3-5 years. However, our study ascertains the need for more frequent testing by examining rates of abnormal cervical cytology and positive HPV at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital Women’s Health Associates (NYPBMH Women’s Health Clinic), an urban, racially diverse and underserved community.

Methods
Using data from NYPBMH clinic patients with cytology and HPV test results in 2016 (N=2,176), we determined the number of patients who had abnormal cervical cytology results and/or positive HPV test results and tracked subsequent rates of cervical pre-cancer or cancer. We then calculated the rates of abnormal results and cancer for this patient population according to demographic data.

Results
The prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology and/or positive HPV was 9.3%, which is 24% higher than those reported by a study conducted at Kaiser Permanent Northern California (KPNC) with a predominantly white patient population. Of patients who returned for follow-up, 25% developed cervical pre-cancer or cancer. 6.7% of non-black/non-Hispanic patients had abnormal results. By comparison, abnormal rates for Black and Hispanic patients were 9.9% and 11.4% respectively.

Conclusion
Our findings identified a higher rate of abnormal results than those reported at KPNC. This disparity is most likely due to higher risk of incidence associated with Black and Hispanic groups, which represent the majority of patients served in our clinic. Our results suggest that increased testing may promote equity in HPV-related outcomes.

Email questions and comments about this abstract to yooruth@gmail.com.