Cervical Cancer and a History of Incarceration: Examining a Social Determinant of Health.

Females who are incarcerated are disproportionately burdened by cancer, particularly cervical cancer. We measured the odds of cervical cancer compared with nonscreenable cancers for females who were incarcerated before diagnosis. By comparing a cancer for which screening and vaccination are available with cancers for which neither are available, we aimed to assess the relationship of incarceration with diseases for which preventive care mitigates risk. We created a novel data set combining cancer data from a large cancer center with incarceration data from the state department of corrections. We then estimated the odds of cervical cancer relative to nonscreenable cancers for those with and without a history of incarceration. Females with a history of incarceration had greater odds of being diagnosed with cervical cancer compared with nonscreenable cancers (odds ratio = 7.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4-11.0) relative to those who had not been incarcerated. Adjusting for race and age, the odds of cervical cancer remained significantly greater for those with a history of incarceration (adjusted odds ratio = 3.86; 95% CI: 2.3-6.3). Our findings support the need for expanded cervical cancer screening and vaccination opportunities for incarcerated females and increased access to preventive health care after release.

Caring for the Rapidly Aging Incarcerated Population: The Role of Policy.

The population of incarcerated adults in the United States is aging rapidly. Incarcerated adults experience accelerated aging, the process in which exposure to incarceration speeds up biological aging. The current article highlights unique structural factors and care practices that incarcerated older adults face in correctional and community health systems. These factors and practices are often in direct opposition to age-friendly care. Opportunities exist to expand research, modify existing policies, and change current care practices. Given their expertise in health system processes, gerontological nurses in correctional and community health care systems can play a pivotal role in improving the care of this growing and vulnerable population. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(3), 7-11.].