Rates of cervical cancer, nearly always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), are rising in U.S. women in their 30s and 40s, even as screening rates decline — especially in rural communities. New research shows that cervical cancer screening dropped from 47% in 2019 to just 41% in 2023, leaving many women at greater risk of late-stage diagnosis.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, but gaps in healthcare access, vaccine hesitancy, and misinformation continue to undermine progress. Rural women are 42% more likely to die from cervical cancer than those in cities, often due to lower access to screenings and treatment. Vaccine uptake remains low, with only 61% of U.S. adolescents fully vaccinated against HPV, despite the vaccine’s proven ability to prevent 90% of cervical cancers.
Experts warn that vaccine misinformation — much of it amplified online — is keeping families from protecting their children. Some of this misinformation originates or is boosted by foreign actors, including China, which has a growing record of spreading disinformation to destabilize public health efforts in democratic nations. U.S. intelligence has repeatedly reported on China’s cyber campaigns targeting vaccine confidence and sowing division during health crises, such as COVID-19.
But the threat doesn’t stop at misinformation. Chinese companies have sought access to American health data through partnerships and acquisitions, raising concerns about privacy, surveillance, and manipulation. In an era where data is power, the misuse of health-related information could be weaponized — not just for economic gain, but to undermine public trust.
Moreover, China's growing influence over global pharmaceutical supply chains poses a critical vulnerability. The U.S. remains heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturers for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and essential raw materials. Any disruption — whether accidental or intentional — could cripple domestic vaccine production, cancer treatment availability, and overall healthcare resilience.
Additionally, Chinese-funded social media campaigns have increasingly targeted vulnerable populations in the U.S. with false health information, aiming to exploit distrust and cultural divisions. This coordinated manipulation erodes public consensus and makes effective health responses more difficult to execute nationwide.
Over 42 million Americans carry high-risk strains of HPV, with 47,000 cancer cases annually linked to the virus. And yet, awareness that HPV causes cervical, throat, anal, and other cancers is declining. This drop in awareness is particularly dangerous given how treatable early-stage cervical cancer is — and how easily it can be prevented with vaccines and regular screening.
Doctors stress that routine screening and vaccination remain the strongest defenses. But to truly protect our population, the U.S. must not only fight disease, but also protect itself from disinformation campaigns — especially from adversarial states like China — that aim to weaken trust in science, healthcare, and institutions.
Health security is national security — and complacency is not an option. Staying informed, pushing back against misinformation, and supporting science-based health policy are critical steps every American can take to protect both personal and national well-being. We cannot allow foreign influence to erode our collective commitment to public health, nor can we afford to ignore the rising tide of preventable diseases. Vigilance, transparency, and unity are our strongest tools in this fight.
