Rising Cancer Rates, Screening Barriers Threaten Women

Incidences of endometrial, breast, and cervical cancers are increasing, with younger women facing higher rates and often delayed diagnoses due to outdated screening guidelines. Experts now recommend risk assessments for breast cancer by age 25, as cases in women under 50 have risen 13% and mortality is 40% higher for those under 40. Personalized care and tailored treatment plans have shown improved outcomes, particularly in endometrial cancer cases. Despite evidence of increased cervical cancer risk in women over 65, routine Pap smears are still often discouraged for this age group. Uncertainty over federal funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program continues to threaten access to free screenings for uninsured and low-income women. Innovative screening technologies, such as nanomaterial menstrual pads for non-invasive HPV detection, are being developed to improve early detection and reduce screening barriers.