The New York Times reported today on the findings of a new study just published in the Journal Cancer. A racial and economic disparity that had been noted in earlier studies of deaths from cervical cancer. But it was believed that the gap was narrowing, not expanding. In the new study, "the mortality rate for black women was 10.1 per 100,000. For white women, it is 4.7 per 100,000."Though the study did not explore the reasons for the racial disparity, doctors said it is likely due to unequal access to screening and lack of insurance coverage.

Tragically, the New York Times noted that: "when screening guidelines and follow-up monitoring are pursued, cervical cancer is largely preventable." But, the disparity is also due to some women not receiving proper care. A recent study published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology reviewed 15,194 patients with advanced cervical cancer. They found that more than 50% of those patients did not receive proper treatment and most of those patient's were more likely to be black and poor. If you believe that you have not received proper medical treatment, click the links below for more information.

Failure to Diagnose Cancer