“A Pap smear saved my life”: Personal experiences of cervical abnormalities shape attitudes to cervical screening renewal

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena M Obermair ◽  
Kirsten J McCaffery ◽  
Rachael H Dodd
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Personal History ◽  
Pap Smears ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Women's Lives ◽  
History Of ◽  
Screening Intervals

Objective In 2017, the Australian National Cervical Screening Program changed from two-yearly Pap smears between ages 18 and 69, to five-yearly human papillomavirus screening between ages 25 and 74 (the “Renewal”). This study investigated attitudes towards the changes, among individuals previously affected by cervical abnormalities/cervical cancer, personally or through a friend/relative. Methods We conducted a thematic analysis of comments expressing personal history or a family/friend history of cervical abnormalities/cervical cancer as a reason for opposing changes to the cervical screening program. The comments were taken from a 20% random sample of 19,633 comments posted on the “Change.org” petition “Stop May 1st Changes to Pap Smears – Save Women's Lives” in February–March 2017. Results There were 831 (20.8%) commenters who reported that they were concerned about a change in screening due to: feelings of increased personal vulnerability to cervical cancer due to their own personal history of cervical abnormalities; comparison of extended screening intervals and later age of first screening to their own experiences; and a perception of increased personal risk due to family history. Conclusion Women previously affected by cervical abnormalities or cervical cancer, personally or through a friend/relative, expressed concern about changes to cervical screening due to perceived increased risk and feeling vulnerable due to personal history.

Pathways to Early Detection of Cervical Cancer for a Multiethnic, Indigent, Emergency Department Population

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 89-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Engelstad ◽  
Katherine Bedeian ◽  
Kimberley Schorr ◽  
Susan Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Alternative Pathway ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Pap Smears ◽  
Access To Primary Care

When access to primary care is limited, low-income women of all races and ethnicities seek care in public hospital emergency departments (EDs) in which preventive services are often unavailable. This project implemented and evaluated a cervical screening program in an inner-city ED. Clinicians were asked to offer Pap smears to women undergoing diagnostic pelvic examinations. Women with abnormal results were randomized to follow-up in one of two settings. Women with normal results received an intervention promoting annual rescreening. In 12 months, 1,523 Pap smears were performed on 1,442 women; 58% were African American; 21%, Hispanic; and 7%, Asian. Among these women, more than 22 languages were spoken, and 26% did not recall having a prior Pap smear. Preliminary findings suggest that cervical cancer screening can be incorporated into routine ED care, creating an important alternative pathway to early detection for a high-risk population.

scholarly journals Present potential of exfoliative cytology in detection of cervix cancer

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Sushila Jain ◽  
Anuj Paudel ◽  
S K Jain
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cell ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pap Smears ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Epithelial Lesions

  Introduction: Conventional Pap smear is the mainstay for cervical cancer screening in developing countries and women should be motivated for cervical screening program to detect early dysplastic cells. This study was carried out to find out the prevalence of abnormalities in Pap smears, particularly pattern of epithelial cell abnormality in women attending Lumbini Medical College in western Nepal.   Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out and 1066 Pap smears were studied to look for epithelial cell abnormality according to revised Bethesda system 2001.   Results: Out of 1066 patients who underwent Pap smear examination, 71 (6.6%) revealed epithelial cell abnormality; most were low grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions (LSIL) occupying 4.59% at the age between 23 to 29 years. Squamous cell carcinoma was found in 0.37 % of patients at the age 40 years and above. In our scenario, per vaginal discharge was the major finding of the patients who showed premalignant features.   Conclusions: Women above 40 years are at a risk of premalignant as well as malignant lesions and these women should undergo screening for abnormal cells at the age of 18 or when sexual activity starts and as per recommendations to look for early dysplastic cells. Cervical screening program should be motivated by the national policy makers and also by health professionals.

scholarly journals Women’s experiences of the renewed National Cervical Screening Program in Australia 12 months following implementation: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e039041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael H Dodd ◽  
Olivia A Mac ◽  
Kirsten J McCaffery
Keyword(s):  
Screening Program ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Women’S Experiences ◽  
Women's Experiences ◽  
Hpv Status ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
History Of ◽  
Abnormal Results

ObjectiveTo explore women’s experiences of the renewed National Cervical Screening Program in Australia from the perspective of women who have received different human papillomavirus (HPV) test results. Women aged 25 to 74 are now screened every 5 years with primary HPV screening.DesignQualitative interview study.SettingAustralia.ParticipantsWomen in Australia aged 25 to 74 who reported participating in cervical screening since December 2017, purposively sampled by test result (HPV positive, HPV negative and HPV status unknown).Methods26 interviews with women aged 25 to 74 were conducted and analysed thematically.ResultsThree main themes emerged: knowledge and attitudes about the programme changes, information dissemination, the meaning and responses to test results and the new cervical screening test (CST). Some women showed little awareness of the changes, but others understood that HPV is detected earlier than abnormal cells. Some expressed positive attitudes towards the CST and were not anxious about less frequent screening. Most women envisaged the changes would have minimal impact on their screening behaviour. Women mainly wanted more information about the changes and the possible results from the new CST. Overall women could recall their HPV results and understand the implications for future cervical screening. Anxiety about being at ‘increased risk’ was more apparent in women who were HPV positive without history of abnormal results.ConclusionsWomen show some understanding of HPV and the new CST, but more written and public communication about the changes and possible results are warranted. Efforts are needed to ensure that women who are HPV positive without history of abnormal results receive the information needed to alleviate anxiety.

scholarly journals Cervical cancer screening practices, knowledge of screening and risk, and highly active antiretroviral therapy adherence among women living with human immunodeficiency virus in Lima, Peru

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne R Delgado ◽  
Luis Menacho ◽  
Eddy R Segura ◽  
Fernando Roman ◽  
Robinson Cabello
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Pap Smears ◽  
Screening Practices ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Haart Adherence ◽  
Increased Risk

Cervical cancer (CC) is the leading cause of cancer death among Peruvian women. Awareness shown by women living with HIV (WLHIV) of their increased risk and Papanicoloau (Pap) smear frequency is understudied, particularly in Peru. We assessed the uptake of guidelines-based CC screening practices and its associations with two predictors, knowledge of CC screening and risk and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) adherence, among WLHIV. Collected by self-administered questionnaires from 2014 to 2016, we analyzed the data of 71 WLHIV. Most WLHIV (77.5%, n = 55/71) were overdue to CC screening by not having a Pap smear within the prior 12 months. WLHIV who had on-time Pap smears had a higher median composite ‘knowledge’ score of 3.0 ([interquartile range] 1.5–4) compared to 2.0 (IQR 1–3) for overdue WLHIV. On-time and overdue WLHIV had the same median composite ‘HAART adherence’ score of 3.0 (IQR 2–4). Bivariate analysis found no association between knowledge nor adherence with on-time Pap smears. Although on-time WLHIV were more knowledgeable about CC screening and risk, overall CC screening uptake was poor. Larger studies of this population are needed to assess the educational, social, and structural barriers contributing to this low prevalence of screening.

Prevalence and Predictors of Cervical Cytological (Pap Smear) Abnormalities Among HIV-infected Women at the HIV Treatment Center of Jos University Teaching Hospital Jos, Nigeria.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olugbenga Akindele Silas ◽  
Philip O. Akpa ◽  
Tolulope O. Afolaranmi ◽  
Samuel Robsam Ohayi ◽  
Jonah Musa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Treatment Center ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Pap Smear Screening ◽  
Women With Hiv

Abstract Introduction: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women living with HIV with the highest burden in sub-Sahara African countries with the highest prevalence of HIV. Early detection of precursor cervical lesions through routine Pap smear screening is central to cervical cancer prevention. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and predictors of abnormal Pap smear findings among women with HIV in our cervical cancer screening program. Methodology: We carried out a cross sectional study of adult women with HIV who presented for Pap smear test for the first time at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, North Central Nigeria between November2018 and January 2020. Prevalence of abnormal cervical finding was reported in percentage and also expressed per 100 population of women. The effects of the characteristics of the women of the abnormal pap smear finding was determined using the logistic regression model where 95% confidence interval and adjusted odds were used as point and interval estimates respectively while a probability value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 949 women with HIV participated in the cervical screening program with mean age 43.3 ± 8.1 years. Abnormal smear findings were observed among 183 (19.3%: 19 cases per 100 women) with ASCUS, ASC-H, LSIL, HSIL, HSIL with suspicion of invasion and AGUS accounting for 96 (10.1%), 50(5.3%), 27 (2.9%), 6 (0.6%), 2 (0.2%) and 2(0.2%) respectively. Of the abnormal smear findings, 125 (68.3%) were adjudged to have mild cytological feature while the complementing proportion adjudged to have severe cytological features. Unadjusted odds of abnormal Pap smear result was associated with increasing age, OR 1.15(95% CI 1.127, 1.186; p = 0.001); parity, OR1.08 (95% CI 1.019, 1.141; p = 0.009). In the adjusted model, increasing age remained the only factor predicting abnormal Pap smear finding. Conclusion: Prevalence of abnormal Pap smear results remains high in HIV- infected women and is associated with increasing age. Advocacy to institutionalize screening at earlier age is therefore key to improving dismal outcomes.

scholarly journals Enhanced Detection of Cervical Cancer and Precancer Through Use of Imaged Liquid-Based Cytology in Routine Cytology and HPV Cotesting

2018 ◽  
Vol 150 (5) ◽  
pp. 385-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Marshall Austin ◽  
Agnieszka Onisko ◽  
Chengquan Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Intraepithelial Neoplasia ◽  
Pap Smears ◽  
Adenocarcinoma In Situ ◽  
Hpv Testing ◽  
Liquid Based Cytology ◽  
Positive Results

AbstractObjectivesCervical screening strives to prevent cervical cancer (CxCa), minimizing morbidity and mortality. Most large US reports on cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) cotesting of women aged 30 years and older are from one laboratory, which used conventional Papanicolaou (Pap) smears from 2003 to 2009.MethodsWe quantified detection of CxCa and precancer (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3/adenocarcinoma in situ [CIN3/AIS]) in 300,800 cotests at Magee Womens Hospital since 2005. Screening histories preceding CxCa and CIN3/AIS diagnoses were examined to assess the contribution of cytology and HPV testing. Cotesting utilized Food and Drug Administration-approved imaged liquid-based cytology (LBC) and from-the-vial HPV tests.ResultsLBC identified more women subsequently diagnosed with CxCa and CIN3/AIS than HPV testing. HPV-negative/cytology-positive results preceded 13.1% of CxCa and 7.2% of CIN3/AIS diagnoses.ConclusionsLBC enhanced cotesting detection of CxCa and CIN3/AIS to a greater extent than previously reported with conventional Pap smear and HPV cotesting.

scholarly journals Opportunistic cervical cancer screening by papanicolaou stain Pap smear among women: a pilot study at urban health training centre of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 2714
Author(s):  
Ruchi Sinha ◽  
Pragya Kumar ◽  
Geetika Singh ◽  
Rubina Saha
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Training Centre ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Background: Cancer of the uterine cervix is the second most common cancer among women world-wide and accounts for 17% of all cancer deaths among females aged 30-69 years in India. Locally advanced cervical cancer is rampant in Bihar because of the high prevalence of associated risk factors. However, there is lack of organized screening programmes and treatment facilities for these patients. Thus, the study aimed at screening women for cervical cancer opportunistically during their visit to the health centres and to assess the various socio-demographic and other risk factors associated with positive screening test results.Methods: Using purposive sampling technique, all women aged 18-59 years who visited the centre for any purpose were interviewed using a pre-designed questionnaire. All eligible women were screened using the conventional Pap Smear and evaluation was done using the 2014 Bethesda system. This study is still underway and 71 women have been screened so far. An interim analysis was done.Results: Only 4.23% of the women ever had Pap smear testing in their life earlier. Mean age was 35.3±9.12 years and majority of the women were married and multi-parous. Vaginal discharge (55.74%) was the most common perceived gynecological morbidity. Most (36.62%) smears were reported as inflammatory cervical smears while epithelial cell abnormalities were seen in 4 (5.63%) cases.Conclusions: This study reiterates the need to start organized cervical screening program not only at tertiary center but also at primary health centers which will definitely help to reduce the burden to some extent

scholarly journals Correlation of cervical pap smears with histopathological diagnosis in cervical lesions

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4478
Author(s):  
Ruksana Farooq ◽  
Azhar-un-Nisa Quraishi ◽  
Shahida Mohammad
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Histopathological Diagnosis ◽  
Pap Smears ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Chronic Cervicitis

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common genital cancer in India. In India alone,almost,130000 new cases occur with the death toll of 70000 everywhere. Objective of current study was correlation of pap smear with histopathological diagnosis.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in tertiary care hospital in 130 sexually active women. Pap smears were taken and histopathological diagnosis was performed in all such patientsResults: From pap smear findings, out of 130 patients, maximum number of cases, 74 (56.9%) were categorized as. Out of epithelial cell abnormality, ASCUS was seen in 25 patients (10.2%), LSIL in 17 patients (13.1%), HSIL in 11 patients (8.5%). SCC was seen in 2 patients (1.5%) and adenocarcinoma in 1 patient (0.8%). From cervical biopsy reports, 51 cases(39.2%) were diagnosed as chronic cervicitis, 34 cases (26.2%) were diagnosed as chronic cervicitis with squamous metaplasia, CIN I in 31 patients (23.8%), CIN II in 8 patients (6.2%) and CIN III in 3 patients (2.3%), squamous cell carcinoma in 2 patients (1.5%) and adenocarcinoma in 1 patient (0.8%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of pap smear test was 91.1%, 82.4%,73.2%, 94.6% and 85.4%, respectively.Conclusions: Pap smear has excellent correlation with histopathological diagnosis. Therefore it should be encouraged as effective tool for cervical cancer screening program to reduce incidence and mortality caused by cervical cancer. 

scholarly journals Riwayat Mendapat Konseling Tentang IVA Berhubungan dengan Keikutsertaan IVA pada Wanita Usia Subur di Puskesmas Sedayu I dan Sedayu II Bantul

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Arantika Meidya Pratiwi
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Women Of Childbearing Age ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
Government Clinic ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
History Of

<p>Cervical cancer is a health problem that hit countries in the world. WHO estimates there are 460,000 new cases worldwide and 75% are in developing countries. The incidence of cervical cancer in Indonesia according to the Indonesia Departement of Public Health in 2010 reached 100 per 100,000 population per year. In contrast to the developed countries, the incidence and mortality from cervical cancer has decreased due to cervical cancer screening program that can be done with a pap smear or VIA (Visual Inspection of the Uterine Cervix with Acetic Acid). Based on the results of a survey conducted among women of childbearing age in Sedayu I and II Bantul Local Government Clinic in the last 3 years, it was found that the amount of data women of childbearing age inspecting VIA continues to decrease each year. The aim of research to determine the relationship between a history of getting counseling about VIA and VIA participation in women of childbearing age in Sedayu I and II Bantul Local Government Clinic. This study uses an analytical survey. The design of this study using cross sectional. The population in this study are all of women of childbearing age at Sedayu I and Sedayu II Local Government Clinic. The number of samples taken by counting the estimated number of samples obtained 102 women of childbearing age. The results showed that most of women of childbearing age ever get counseling from midwife/health workers about VIA as many as 65 people (63.7%) and the remaining 37 (36.3%). A total of 60 women of childbearing age (58.8%) has audited women of childbearing age VIA test and 42 (41.2%) have never done VIA test. The conclusion there was signifi cance correlation between a history of getting counseling about VIA and the VIA participation in women of childbearing age in Sedayu I and II Bantul Local Government Clinic with value of p=0.000.</p>

scholarly journals Background and Design of the Community Awareness Resources and Education (CARE) Project: Reducing Cervical Cancer in Appalachia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erinn M. Hade ◽  
Amy K. Ferketich ◽  
Amy M. Lehman ◽  
Electra D. Paskett ◽  
Mary Ellen Wewers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Pap Smears ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Community Awareness ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Pap Smear Screening ◽  
Care Project

AbstractObjectiveThe Community Awareness Resources and Education (CARE) project: Reducing Cervical Cancer in Appalachia is part of the NIH Centers for Population Health and Health Disparities initiative. It aims to increase screening rates for cervical cancer, to assist in tobacco cessation, and to determine the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in contributing to the increased risk of cervical cancer.MethodsEligible subjects were recruited from 14 clinics in Appalachian Ohio. CARE’s cross sectional survey (CS) (571 participants) characterized social, behavioral, and environmental factors of Pap smear screening and smoking. The intervention projects tested programs to increase Pap smear screening (280 participants) or aid in smoking cessation (300 participants). A case control study (1360 participants) assessed social, behavioral, and biologic predictors of abnormal Pap tests.ResultsThe CS participants tended to be younger, more educated, and were more likely to be employed than the general population of Appalachian women 18 and over. They were similar to the other samples in terms of race, marital status, income level and smoking status.ConclusionsCARE will provide valuable information about the multi-level barriers to obtaining regular Pap smears and quitting smoking, as well as help to identify important biological and social risk factors related to abnormal Pap smears.

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