A team led by USF’s Arlene Calvo analyzed data on human papillomavirus vaccination coverage, cervical cancer incidence and mortality, and screening practices across Panama. They found that while Panama’s HPV vaccination coverage often exceeds 85 percent, and its cervical cancer incidence has steadily declined, mortality rates remain high.

 Researchers believe the disparity may be tied to delayed diagnosis and barriers to screening. The study found that screening rates remain low, with only about 10 to 12 percent of women receiving Pap tests, and many women seek care only after the disease has progressed to advanced stages. “The high mortality … denotes non-medical factors that are affecting the outcome,” says Calvo. “This is where the merge of epidemiology and social sciences is important.”

• Arlene Calvo