Doctors highlight new cervical cancer screening option during awareness month

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The CDC reports that about 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States every year. But with more early screenings, that number could go down. Local 4's Dr. Frank McGorge details a new option that could help. A recent study found that around 41% of women get the recommended screening for cervical cancer, and that number has actually decreased from 2019, when it was 47%. Screening levels are especially low in rural areas. Part of the reason rural women are more likely to die from cervical cancer is that they have less access to health care. Experts say making it easier to get screened is key.