| Title | Declining rates of high-grade cervical lesions in young women in Connecticut, 2008-2011. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2013 |
| Authors | Niccolai, Linda M., Pamela Julian, James Meek, Vanessa McBride, James Hadler, and Lynn Sosa |
| Journal | Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology |
| Date Published | 2013 May 23 |
| ISSN | 1538-7755 |
| Abstract | Vaccines that prevent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 that are known to cause cervical cancer have been available in the United States (US) since 2006. High-grade cervical lesions are important for monitoring early vaccine impact because they are strong surrogates for cancer yet can develop within years after infection as opposed to decades. Trends in high-grade cervical lesions including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2, 2/3, and 3 and adenocarcinoma in situ among women 21-39 years old were examined using a statewide surveillance registry in Connecticut during 2008-2011. During this time period, HPV vaccine initiation increased among adolescent females from 45% to 61%. Analyses were stratified by age, according to census tract measures of proportion of population black, Hispanic, living in poverty, and by urban/non-urban counties. The annual rate per 100,000 females ages 21-24 years declined from 834 in 2008 to 688 in 2011 (Ptrend<.001). No significant declines were observed among women 25-39 years. Significant declining trends also occurred in census tracts with lower proportions of the population being black, Hispanic, or living below the federal poverty level. Declines in high-grade cervical lesions have occurred among young women during 2008-2011. This is the first report of declines in cervical neoplasia in the US since HPV vaccines became available. Continued surveillance is needed to measure vaccine impact and monitor health disparities. |
| DOI | 10.1038/npp.2013.99 |
| Alternate Journal | Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. |
