Affordable Care Act: Earlier Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer?

After the ACA expansion, higher proportions of young women had diagnoses of early cervical cancer and received fertility-sparing treatment.

Because early detection and treatment of cervical cancer can be curative while also preserving childbearing potential, cervical cancer screening is recommended starting at age 21. Investigators studied the proportions of young women who received diagnoses of early (stage I/II) cervical cancer and who received fertility-sparing therapy before and after the Affordable Care Act Dependent Coverage Expansion (ACA-DCE) in 2010. Specifically, outcomes in 21-to-25-year-olds (who, under the ACA, were more likely to be privately insured through coverage on their parents' policies) were compared with those in 26-to-34-year-olds (who were ineligible for such coverage).

Before and after the ACA-DCE, rates of early cancer diagnosis rose in the younger gro…

Reviewing Author

Anna Wald, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris

Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases

Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)