Cervical cancer in women over 65: An analysis of screening

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the characteristics and screening history of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer over age 65. METHODS: A retrospective review of 34 patients who were diagnosed with cervical cancer after the age of 65 at a single community cancer center between 2006 and 2016 was performed. Data collected included screening history, method of detection, stage, and survival. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2016, 346 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer at a single community cancer center, 34 (9.8%) of them were over 65 years old. 30 had known screening histories and could be evaluated. 15 women had adequate screening prior to being diagnosed with cervical cancer, indicating that 50% of women who developed cervical cancer after age 65 in this population followed screening guidelines and still developed disease. CONCLUSIONS: Women over 65 make up a significant portion of women diagnosed with cervical cancer. As many as half of all cervical cancers over age 65 occur in women who get recommended screening, and some of these may be prevented or detected early if screening was extended beyond age 65.