Women’s Health
LA Cervix Care: Improving Cervical Cancer Prevention in Louisiana Rachel Thevenot* Rachel Thevenot Caleigh Foto Deborah G. Smith, PhD, MPH, BSN Donna Williams, MS, MPH, DrPH Jennifer E Cameron, PhD Bilikisu “Reni” Elewonibi, PhD, MPH Jerry Mclarty, PhD Michael E Hagensee, MD, PhD Jennifer DeLeon
Cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and early detection, yet it remains a public health challenge. This study aims to identify barriers preventing women from accessing cervical cancer preventive tools and design strategies to overcome them. We will screen 1,500 women from both urban and rural areas for high-risk HPV using self-administered swabs and surveys. A smaller group will join focus groups to help develop educational materials to reduce fear. Women with hrHPV detected will be referred to colposcopy as per standard care, and the rate of successful referrals will be measured. hrHPV-positive women will be screened for a potential marker of cancer development, hypermethylation, to explore the validity of this triage test. The study, launched in September 2024 at the Medicine Primary Care Clinic at UMC in New Orleans, has enrolled 32 women, with eight participants having hrHPV present. Participants expressed high satisfaction and acceptance of the self-administered vaginal swab, with most samples demonstrating high quality. Surveys have been collected, and hrHPV-positive women have been referred for gynecological follow-up. The Shreveport site began recruiting women from over 20 rural clinical sites using a Mobile Health Unit to improve access in rural communities, enrolling four women in December 2024. The baseline study will take 12-18 months. We will identify and address key barriers to follow-up gynecological care, including logistical issues (improving access and navigation), educational needs (developing culturally sensitive materials), and emotional support. The long-term goal is to develop a care delivery model that eliminates cervical cancer in Louisiana.