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Improving Cervical Cancer Screening And Hpv Vaccination Rates Among Ghanaians In Ghana, And Ghanaian Immigrants Living In Georgia, U.S.A, Catherine T. Palmer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the most common type of HPV- associated cancer, disproportionately affecting minority women worldwide. Various strains of the human papillomavirus have been linked to the incidence of this disease. The gradual development of cervical cancer makes it one of the most preventable female cancers, as malignant cell changes can take up to two decades to occur. Regular Pap smears lead to early detection of persistent HPV infection. Together with HPV vaccination, Pap smears are effective in controlling cervical cancer incidence. Although these preventative programs are readily available in the U.S., screening, and vaccination rates have been consistently …