Miller, Ely

Title:
Why do Incarcerated Women Experience Higher Incidences and Mortalities of Cervical Cancer?

Abstract:
The purpose of this literature-based study is to determine the reasons that women in prison experience higher mortalities and incidences of cervical cancer. In order to determine why incarcerated women experience higher rates of cervical cancer, we looked at access to cervical screenings for women in prisons (Pap Smears) and several risk factors for cervical cancers that are more prevalent in populations of female prisoners, such as smoking, STDs, VAW (violence against women), and sexual abuse. We found that female prisoners have less access to cervical screenings (best early detection method of cervical cancers), they are more likely to be overdue for cervical screenings, and that female prisoners express a higher rate of risk factors (smoking, STDs, VAW, sexual abuse) as compared to women of the general population. Better access to cervical screenings for women in prisons, better assessment of a female inmate’s risk factors (i.e. medical check-ups), and intervention programs for women who are victims of violent crimes/sexual abuse could help reduce the higher prevalence of cervical cancer among female inmates.