Mississippi Cervical Cancer Deaths Rise; Quitman County Among Hardest Hit

Data released by the Mississippi State Department of Health on Jan. 3, 2026 show the state’s cervical cancer death rate has risen to troubling levels, surpassing four deaths per 100,000 residents for the first time since 2013. The report identifies persistent racial and geographic disparities: Black women in Mississippi face substantially higher cervical cancer mortality than white women, and several Delta counties, including Quitman County, are listed among those with the highest death rates in the state.

The finding arrives during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, a time when health officials emphasize prevention and early detection. The MSDH guidance included with the data reiterates that two screening tests, the Pap test and the HPV test, are effective tools for preventing cervical cancer or detecting it at an early, more treatable stage. For low-income and uninsured women, the state’s Breast & Cervical Cancer Program offers information and services to help secure screening and follow-up care.

For Quitman County residents, the rise in mortality highlights local vulnerabilities. Rural Delta counties commonly face barriers to care such as limited transportation, fewer nearby medical providers, and higher rates of poverty and uninsured residents. Those structural challenges can delay screening, diagnosis, and timely treatment, contributing to higher death rates. Public health officials note that rising mortality trends often reflect gaps in screening coverage, HPV vaccination uptake, and access to prompt care.

The MSDH data and guidance point to concrete actions residents can take this month and beyond: obtain recommended cervical cancer screening through Pap or HPV testing, follow up promptly on abnormal results, and seek assistance from the Breast & Cervical Cancer Program if cost or insurance status is a barrier. Local clinics and health departments are primary points of contact for scheduling tests and learning about available support.

While statewide data cast a sobering picture, targeted outreach and improved access to screening and vaccination can reduce deaths. Quitman County residents and community organizations can use Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to promote screening, check that local clinics have outreach plans for uninsured women, and encourage HPV vaccination for eligible populations. The MSDH resources and the Breast & Cervical Cancer Program remain the designated state options for information and assistance for those seeking screenings or help covering care.