New Data Show Screening Rates For Cervical Cancer, Which ‘Love Is Blind’ Star Shaina Hurley Battled, On ‘Troubling’ Decline

According to the researchers, both colorectal cancer and breast cancer screenings rebounded from declines during the pandemic and are now more than estimated screening rates from before the pandemic. However, cervical cancer screening rates are still back to pre-pandemic levels.

Lead author of the study, Jessica Star, associate scientist, cancer risk factors and screening surveillance research at the American Cancer Society, said  in a recent press release, “These findings are mostly encouraging as the pandemic resulted in widespread disruptions in cancer screening in the U.S.

“However, the continued decline in cervical cancer screening is troubling as diagnoses of cervical cancers at an early stage, when they are more treatable, also decreased during the pandemic. Without returns to cervical cancer screening, prevention and early-stage diagnoses may continue to drop and put more lives at risk.”

What You Need to Know About Cervical Cancer Screenings

It’s important to understand that cervical cancer screening is an essential part of women’s health care which help’s identify precancerous or cancerous cells early, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment and prevention, and ultimately decreasing the number of deaths from cervical cancer worldwide since being unrolled.

According to Star, study data shows breast cancer and colon cancer screenings in 2023 surpassed 2019 screening rates by 7% (breast cancer) and 12% (colon cancer).

As for past-year cervical cancer screening, in 2023 it was 14% below what it was in 2019 and there were no changes noticed in the two years prior.

Star added, “The persistent decline in cervical cancer screening may in part reflect longer-term declines in patient knowledge and clinicians recommending the test.

“It’s imperative that we continue to advocate  for returns to cervical cancer screening and efforts must also address the widening disparities in all cancer screenings by socioeconomic status.”

Shaina Hurley’s Cervical Cancer Journey

Shaina Hurley told People last year about her cancer journey, saying, “I had no symptoms. But later, the doctor called me and said the pap smear results had come back as abnormal and they needed to get me in for a colposcopy.”

She was informed just weeks after her colposcopy [when a doctor examines the cervix and tissues surrounding it for cell changes that could lead to cancer] that things weren’t “looking good.”

Doctors quickly confirmed she had cervical cancer. Hurley told the celebrity news outlet, “I felt the fear creeping in but I knew then and there, I can’t let the enemy take over my mind. I can’t go down that dark hole. I had to go into survival mode and tell God, ‘I trust you.’ I just prayed for the best, at the end of the day.”

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Then, instead of having a cone biopsy to check if the cancer had spread, a procedure that came with risks she didn’t want to take while being pregnant, Hurley, who was 22-weeks pregnant at the time, had a laparoscopic surgery to check if the cancer hadn’t spread to her surrounding lymph nodes.

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She continued, “It hadn’t spread to the lymph nodes but they were still wanting to do chemotherapy. I still had no symptoms, so I did deny chemotherapy. It was hard for the doctors because I was their patient first. And I was a tough patient.”

Despite doctors advising it would be best if she delivered her son early at 32 weeks, she chose to take “the risk and pushed it to 37-and-a-half weeks and delivered a healthy baby boy.”

Hurley, who had biopsies taken during her C-section, told People, “My faith and my strong will kicked in and there was no other way I was going to do it. We had a miscarriage before Yiorgos and so when I finally got a healthy pregnancy, nothing was going to stop me. But it did put a gray cloud over it.”

RELATED: Why Is Late-Stage Cervical Cancer On The Rise? The Importance of Pap Smears and Testing For HPV

Two weeks after the birth of her son she had a mini-stroke, which she recovered from, and four weeks after that incident she had an unsuccessful cold knife conization. She underwent an additional conization six weeks later, and by June 2024, she was declared “cancer-free.”

Hurley, who continues to get check ups at the doctor every three months, admitted her cancer journey made her “stronger,” and credits her strength as something she obtained through her faith in God.

She recently celebrated her son’s milestone 1st birthday, with a sweet family photo, writing, “Our baby turned one. Yiorgos you have stolen our hearts.

“You are marked by God and have such a huge calling on your life. We pray for God’s divine protection and blessings over you. That you always stay so close to Him. That your heart will always be after His. To be set a part from the world.”

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“You are so highly favored our love. Everyone was right, time is a thief but we cherish you every day. Happy birthday our son, Mommy and Daddy love you so much,” Hurley concluded.

Understanding Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer begins in the cells lining the cervix the lower part of the womb (uterus). Treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

It’s important to note that HPV (human papillomavirus), a sexually-transmitted virus, causes more than 70% of cervical cancer cases. Most cases of cervical cancer can be prevented with the HPV vaccine.

Additionally, other risk factors like smoking can make you about twice as likely to get cervical cancer as those who don’t smoke.

Cervical cancer screening is critically important because an earlier diagnosis can mean a better prognosis with broader treatment options.

The American Cancer Society recommends that cervical cancer screening begins at age 25, and people aged 25 to 65 should have a primary HPV test, an HPV test done by itself for screening, every five years. If primary HPV testing is not available, however, screening may be done with either a co-test that combines an HPV test with a Papanicolaou (Pap) test every five years or a Pap test alone every three years.

The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after vaginal sex, bleeding after menopause, after douching, bleeding and spotting in between periods or having heavier or longer (menstrual) periods than usual
• Unusual discharge from the vagina that may contain some blood and may occur between your periods or after menopause
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the pelvic region

RELATED: Motherhood After Cancer Treatment Yes, It’s Possible: Here’s What You Should Know About Fertility Preservation

The Importance of Routine Screenings For Cervical Cancer

Regular cervical cancer screenings play a vital role in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. SurvivorNet experts explain that timely cervical cancer screenings are essential because they:

• Help identify abnormal cells early: Screenings can detect abnormal cervical cells (also called cervical dysplasia) before they turn into cancer. Early detection allows for timely interventions and treatment, preventing the progression to cervical cancer.
• Reduce the risk of cervical cancer: Consistent and regular screenings have been shown to significantly decrease the risk of developing cervical cancer. The more often you get screened, the higher the chance of catching any abnormal cells early enough to treat them effectively.
• Confidence in your health status: Regular screenings provide peace of mind, knowing you’re taking steps to safeguard your health. Whenever abnormal cells are detected and treated, it helps maintain your overall well-being and offers reassurance.

Despite the benefits of regular screenings, some people may neglect them due to factors such as a lack of awareness, fear, or procrastination. It’s essential to remember that both the Pap test and HPV test usually take only a few minutes, easily performable during a regular doctor’s visit. The best preventative measure against cervical cancer is attending regular screenings and updating your healthcare provider on any changes in your gynecological health.

Interpreting Your Screening Results

Once your cervical cancer screening is complete, you’ll receive your test results, which can be categorized into normal, abnormal, or inconclusive. It’s important to discuss the results with your healthcare provider to fully understand them and make informed decisions about any necessary follow-up care. Here’s a brief overview of what the results might indicate:

• Normal results: If your screening results are normal, it means there were no significant changes or abnormalities detected in your cervical cells. This is good news and signifies that you are at low risk for developing cervical cancer. However, continue to attend regular screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Abnormal results: Abnormal results do not necessarily indicate that you have cervical cancer but can indicate cell changes that may develop into cancer in the future. These changes can range from mild to severe. Based on the severity of the abnormalities, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing, monitoring, or treatment. Some examples of further tests include repeat Pap tests or biopsy.
• Inconclusive results: Sometimes, screening results can be inconclusive, meaning that your healthcare provider cannot definitively determine whether the results are normal or abnormal. This can occur for various reasons, such as an inadequate sample or the presence of blood, inflammation, or mucus. In this case, your healthcare provider may recommend a repeat test or additional testing to obtain a clear result.

Regardless of the outcome of your cervical cancer screening results, it’s essential to stay informed and advocate for your health. Discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider, and maintain open communication about your cervical health.

The Importance of Advocating for Yourself

Standing up for yourself is important. If you feel that you’re being dismissed or mistreated by a doctor. Getting a second opinion is crucial if something doesn’t feel right. Experts tell SurvivorNet that no one knows your body better than you, so if you feel like something is wrong, keep pushing for answers.

Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, previously told SurvivorNet that sometimes, patients need to be pushy.

Be Pushy, Be Your Own Advocate… Don’t Settle

“From a doctor’s perspective, every problem should have a diagnosis, a treatment, a plan for follow-up, and a plan for what happens next if the treatment doesn’t work,” Dr. Murrell said.

And as a patient, “If you don’t feel like each of these four things has been accomplished, just ask! Even if it requires multiple visits or seeing additional providers for a second opinion, always be your own advocate.”

Ultimately, patients advocating for their health can lead to better patient outcomes. This is especially important when you find your doctor has misdiagnosed your symptoms.

A component of advocating for yourself in healthcare includes going back to the doctor multiple times and even getting multiple opinions.

Dr. Steven Rosenberg is the National Cancer Institute Chief of Surgery, and he previously told SurvivorNet about the advantages of getting input from multiple doctors.

Cancer research legend urges patients to get multiple opinions.

“If I had any advice for you following a cancer diagnosis, it would be, first, to seek out multiple opinions as to the best care. Because finding a doctor who is up to the latest of information is important,” Dr. Rosenberg said.

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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