Link between cervical cancer screening guidelines and preterm delivery among young females

Findings of a recent cross-sectional study published in JAMA Health Forum suggest that additional recommended cervical cancer screenings before birth were associated with an increased risk of Preterm Delivery. These results can be used in future simulation models integrating oncological trade-offs to help ascertain optimal screening strategies.

The research by Rebecca A. Bromley-Dulfano et al, aimed to ascertain the population-level association between the number of guideline-recommended cervical cancer screenings and downstream Preterm Delivery risk among females aged 18 to 24 years.

National Vital Statistics System data from females aged 18 to 24 years who had a singleton, nulliparous birth in the US between 1996 and 2018 were used. Regression models were adjusted for maternal educational level, race and ethnicity, comorbidities, marital status, and prenatal care visits. Data were analyzed between June 2020 and March 2023.

The mean number of guideline-recommended screenings by time of childbirth was 2.4. Overall, Preterm Delivery and very preterm delivery occurred in 10.1% and 2.9% of births, respectively. One additional recommended screening was associated with a 0.073 percentage-point increase in Preterm Delivery risk but no statistically significant change in very preterm delivery risk. Females with hypertension or diabetes had a higher increase in Preterm Delivery risk than those without these comorbidities.

Reference:Bromley-Dulfano RA, Rossin-Slater M, Bundorf MK. Association Between Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines and Preterm Delivery Among Females Aged 18 to 24 Years. JAMA Health Forum. 2023;4(7):e231974. doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.1974