Underutilization of cervical cancer prevention services in low and middle income countries: a review of contributing factors

Purpose In response to the growing burden of breast and cervical cancers, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are beginning to implement national cancer prevention programs. We reviewed the literature on information and communication technology (ICT) applications in the prevention of breast and cervical cancers in LMICs to examine their potential to enhance cancer prevention efforts. Methods Ten databases of peer-reviewed and gray literature were searched using an automated strategy for English-language articles on the use of mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine in breast and cervical cancer prevention (screening and early detection) published between 2005 and 2015. Articles that described the rationale for using these ICTs and/or implementation experiences (successes, challenges, and outcomes) were reviewed. Bibliographies of articles that matched the eligibility criteria were reviewed to identify additional relevant references. Results Of the initial 285 citations identified, eight met the inclusion criteria. Of these, four used primary data, two were overviews of ICT applications, and two were commentaries. Articles described the potential for mHealth and telemedicine to address both demand- and supply-side challenges to cancer prevention, such as awareness, access, and cost, in LMICs. However, there was a dearth of evidence to support these hypotheses. Conclusion This review indicates that there are few publications that reflect specifically on the role of mHealth and telemedicine in cancer prevention and even fewer that describe or evaluate interventions. Although articles suggest that mHealth and telemedicine can enhance the implementation and use of cancer prevention interventions, more evidence is needed.

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Cervical cancer prevention in upper middle-income countries

Preventive Medicine ◽

10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.12.032 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 98 ◽

pp. 36-38 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ana Cecilia Rodríguez ◽

Jorge Salmerón

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Cancer Prevention ◽

Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries

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The cooperation between professional societies contributes to the capacity building and system development for prevention and control of cancer in low- and middle-income countries: the practice of Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Project in Cambodia

Global Health & Medicine ◽

10.35772/ghm.2020.01000 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 48-52

Author(s):

Koum Kanal ◽

Noriko Fujita ◽

Sann Chan Soeung ◽

Kruy Leang Sim ◽

Yasuyo Matsumoto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Cancer Prevention ◽

Capacity Building ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

System Development ◽

Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Professional Societies ◽

And Control

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The health and economic impact of scaling cervical cancer prevention in 50 low- and lower-middle-income countries

International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics ◽

10.1002/ijgo.12184 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 138 ◽

pp. 47-56 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Nicole G. Campos ◽

Monisha Sharma ◽

Andrew Clark ◽

Kyueun Lee ◽

Fangli Geng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Cancer Prevention ◽

Economic Impact ◽

Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries

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Human Papillomavirus Selected Properties and Related Cervical Cancer Prevention Issues

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612826666200422094205 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (18) ◽

pp. 2073-2086

Author(s):

Saule Balmagambetova ◽

Andrea Tinelli ◽

Ospan A. Mynbaev ◽

Arip Koyshybaev ◽

Olzhas Urazayev ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Human Papillomavirus ◽

Cancer Prevention ◽

Screening Program ◽

Hpv Infection ◽

Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽

Point Of View ◽

Prevention Strategies ◽

Middle Income ◽

Screening Programs

High-risk human papillomavirus strains are widely known to be the causative agents responsible for cervical cancer development. Aggregated damage caused by papillomaviruses solely is estimated in at least 5% of all malignancies of the human body and 16% in cancers that affect the female genital area. Enhanced understanding of the complex issue on how the high extent of carcinogenicity is eventually formed due to the infection by the Papoviridae family would contribute to enhancing current prevention strategies not only towards cervical cancer, but also other HPV associated cancers. This review article is aimed at presenting the key points in two directions: the current cervical cancer prevention and related aspects of HPV behavior. Virtually all applied technologies related to HPV diagnostics and screening programs, such as HPV tests, colposcopy-based tests (VIA/VILI), conventional and liquid-based cytology, currently available are presented. Issues of availability, advantages, and drawbacks of the screening programs, as well as vaccination strategies, are also reviewed in the article based on the analyzed sources. The current point of view regarding HPV is discussed with emphasis on the most problematic aspect of the HPV family concerning the observed increasing number of highly carcinogenic types. Present trends in HPV infection diagnostics throughout the human fluids and tissues are also reported, including the latest novelties in this field, such as HPV assay/self-sample device combinations. Besides, a brief outline of the related prevention issues in Kazakhstan, the leading country of Central Asia, is presented. Kazakhstan, as one of the post-soviet middle-income countries, may serve as an example of the current situation in those terrains, concerning the implementation of globally accepted cervical cancer prevention strategies. Along with positive achievements, such as the development of a nationwide screening program, a range of drawbacks is also analyzed and discussed.

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