scholarly journals Challenges in the Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Romania

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1721
Author(s):  
Raluca Dania Todor ◽  
Gabriel Bratucu ◽  
Marius Alexandru Moga ◽  
Adina Nicoleta Candrea ◽  
Luigi Geo Marceanu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Functional Screening ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Research Show

Approximately every two hours, a Romanian woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer as the country ranks first in the EU in terms of its mortality rate. This paper aims to identify the main reasons that have led to this situation. First, a study based on secondary data was conducted in order to identify measures taken by the Romanian Ministry of Health for the prevention of this type of cancer. Second, a quantitative study was conducted to evaluate the impact that exposure to information and awareness campaigns has on women’s behavior regarding cervical cancer prevention through screening. The results of the research show an increased percentage of the women understanding the importance of screening and the benefits of early diagnosis, but also shows that a high percentage of women postpone the routine checks due to lack of time and financial resources. The research results also indicate that the only free screening program implemented in Romania during 2012–2017 was a failure due to poor procedures, low number of women tested, underfunding and the lack of promotion. Our conclusion is that the Romanian Ministry of Health has to take immediate action by conducting major awareness campaigns and also by implementing functional screening programs.

Human Papillomavirus Selected Properties and Related Cervical Cancer Prevention Issues

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.

Cervical Cancer Screening in Tuscany: A Survey of the Actual State of Cervical Cancer Prevention in the Local Sanitary Units of the Tuscan Region

1988 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Cecchini ◽  
Grazia Grazzini ◽  
Stefano Ciatto
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Quality Control ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Actual State ◽  
Quality Of Data ◽  
Screening Programs

Every Local Sanitary Unit (USL) of the Tuscan Region was contacted to define screening variables, such as adequacy of the staff involved in prevention, smear technique, data collection and evaluation, laboratory quality control, and modalities of invitations to screening. The reported data show that 21 of 40 USL, but only 9 of 28 USL outside the Florence province (where a common screening program is performed), are performing active invitations to screening. The most serious staff inadequacies concern data evaluation and personnel performing the test. Sixteen of 28 USL outside Florence suggest an annual rescreening, which causes overcrowding of services and a poor availability for the unscreened population. Moreover, the poor quality of data collection makes it impossible to evaluate the benefit offered by the screening programs in the 28 USL outside Florence. Cytologic quality control is often lacking, and the smear technique is inadequate in 10 of 28 USL outside Florence. The lack in the USL of epidemiologic competence and of cost/benefit considerations and the need for political decisions about cancer prevention programs are stressed.

scholarly journals Performance Indicators of Cervical Cancer Screening Program Based on The Guidelines of Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarreyeh Izadi ◽  
Sareh Shakerian
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Medical Education ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Cancer Screening Program ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening Program

Background: Systematic application of a cervical cancer screening program reduces the socioeconomic burden of the disease. Evaluation of screening programs using performance indicator sets and applying cultural, economic, and social considerations minimize the negative impacts of screening and maximize its benefits. Objectives: The present study aimed at developing and evaluating performance indicators of a cervical cancer screening program based on the guidelines of Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education to identify shortcomings and improve national programs. Methods: A total of 839 out of 2504 care checklists for middle-aged women in Rasht, Iran, from 2014 to 2018 were studied. Indicators were evaluated based on the guidelines of Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education on care for middle-aged individuals in 6 areas of screening intensity, screening the program performance, the participation of individuals, compliance of the implementation with guidelines, etc. Results: The eligible women coverage index was 34%. The index of participation in the first run Pap test was 45.53% in 2014. The study findings showed that with the implementation of the plan on participants, the test rate increased by 39.1%. The indices of identification of high-risk individuals based on medical histories, identification of abnormal Pap smears, and participation continuity in the program were 54.84, 33.73%, respectively and 1.32% in 2015, which decreased to < 1% in 2016. The compliance rate with the guidelines was 64.94%, and the performance recording index was 22.40%. Conclusions: Due to the low coverage rate and other performance indicators, especially the low continuity index, the attention of policy-makers and program managers should be drawn to potential shortcomings of screening programs, such as active implementation, in order to promote women’s health status.

scholarly journals Hitting the Pause Button: The Impact of COVID-19 on Cervical Cancer Prevention, Screening and Treatment Access in Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (S1) ◽  
pp. 255-257
Author(s):  
Belinda Rina Marie Spagnoletti ◽  
Hanum Atikasari ◽  
Linda Rae Bennett ◽  
Henny M.A.R. Putri ◽  
Miranda Rachellina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Future Generation ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Treatment Access ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
The Impact

As Indonesia grapples with COVID-19, it remains vital that other crucial health interventions continue to be prioritised to minimise the overall health footprint of the epidemic. Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, yet it is the most lethal female cancer in Indonesia, responsible for more than 18,000 deaths each year. Thanks to the efforts of several key groups driving health reforms to step up cervical cancer control in recent years, Indonesia has a national screening program and, up until late 2019, a HPV vaccination pilot program was being rolled out across five provinces. An interdisciplinary four-year study exploring the experiences of and health system responses to cervical cancer in Indonesia was underway when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. Alarmingly, the widespread restrictions on citizens’ mobility and the redistribution of resources to the COVID-19 response has resulted in key services for cervical cancer prevention and screening being paused indefinitely, without a clear path forward. Treat ent seeking, and the availability of support services for women with a cervical cancer diagnosis have also been interrupted. If unaddressed, these pauses will lead to an increase in women presenting with late stage cervical cancer, for which treatment is more invasive and costly, with a lower chance of survival. We are also concerned for the future generation of women in Indonesia, who, without access to affordable HPV vaccination, will face a heightened risk of developing cervical cancer compared with their peers from countries that have prioritised investing in this life saving vaccine.

scholarly journals Smartphone-Enhanced Training, QA, Monitoring, and Evaluation of a Platform for Secondary Prevention of Cervical Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges to Implementation in Tanzania

2020 ◽  
pp. 1114-1123
Author(s):  
Karen Yeates ◽  
Erica Erwin ◽  
Zac Mtema ◽  
Frank Magoti ◽  
Simoni Nkumbugwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Visual Inspection ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Visual Assessment ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Supportive Supervision ◽  
Health Providers

PURPOSE Until human papillomavirus (HPV)–based cervical screening is more affordable and widely available, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is recommended by the WHO for screening in lower-resource settings. Visual inspection will still be required to assess the cervix for women whose screening is positive for high-risk HPV. However, the quality of VIA can vary widely, and it is difficult to maintain a well-trained cadre of providers. We developed a smartphone-enhanced VIA platform (SEVIA) for real-time secure sharing of cervical images for remote supportive supervision, data monitoring, and evaluation. METHODS We assessed programmatic outcomes so that findings could be translated into routine care in the Tanzania National Cervical Cancer Prevention Program. We compared VIA positivity rates (for HIV-positive and HIV-negative women) before and after implementation. We collected demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and loss-to-follow-up data. RESULTS From July 2016 to June 2017, 10,545 women were screened using SEVIA at 24 health facilities across 5 regions of Tanzania. In the first 6 months of implementation, screening quality increased significantly from the baseline rate in the prior year, with a well-trained cadre of more than 50 health providers who “graduated” from the supportive-supervision training model. However, losses to follow-up for women referred for further evaluation or to a higher level of care were considerable. CONCLUSION The SEVIA platform is a feasible, quality improvement, mobile health intervention that can be integrated into a national cervical screening program. Our model demonstrates potential for scalability. As HPV screening becomes more affordable, the platform can be used for visual assessment of the cervix to determine amenability for same-day ablative therapy and/or as a secondary triage step, if needed.

Evaluation of a Narrative Video to Promote Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer Among Latinas

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110389
Author(s):  
Jessica Calderón-Mora ◽  
Adam Alomari ◽  
Theresa L. Byrd ◽  
Navkiran K. Shokar
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Psychosocial Variables ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cancer Risk Factors ◽  
Efficacy Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Objective To evaluate the impact of an online-delivered, theory-based narrative video on cervical cancer screening knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in a predominantly Latino community. Methods The study design was a nonrandomized pretest–posttest evaluation. The eligibility criteria included men and women 18 years or older not previously enrolled in our community cervical cancer screening program who had internet access. Participants were recruited via in-person county-wide flyer distribution and social media dissemination. The intervention involved a narrative video designed for Latinas delivered via the internet. The 17-minute video is novella style, with a culturally tailored storyline and setting that covers cervical cancer risk factors and statistics, importance of screening, and addresses testing barriers. The measures were knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, subjective norms, and self-efficacy. Analysis was performed using change scores for knowledge and psychosocial variables and descriptive statistics for satisfaction and acceptability of the video. Results Data from 227 surveys were analyzed; respondent mean age: 37.6 years; 98.8% female, 88.8% Hispanic; 42.0% had an annual income of $20,000 or less; and 85.2% had at least a high school education. Knowledge and all psychosocial variables improved significantly. More than 90% of the participants rated all of the satisfaction items as good or excellent. Conclusions and Implications for Practice A culturally appropriate narrative video about cervical cancer and screening disseminated online effectively improved knowledge and psychosocial variables among Latinas. Our findings indicate that health promotion interventions online could be effective for improving desired health behavior through a new means of educational dissemination by way of websites and social media outlets.

scholarly journals Facilitators and Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening in Migori County, Kenya

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 82s-82s
Author(s):  
Holly Nishimura ◽  
Nelly Yatich ◽  
Megan Huchko
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hpv Testing ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Barriers To Screening ◽  
Incidence And Mortality

Abstract 77 Background: Cervical cancer, a disease that is largely preventable through organized screening programs, still impacts over 500,000 women every year. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest global incidence and mortality, largely due to lack of screening coverage. Low-cost and simple-to-implement screening technologies can potentially impact the rates of cervical cancer, if they are acceptable and scalable. As part of a trial to evaluate implementation strategies for cervical cancer prevention in western Kenya, we sought to identify the barriers and facilitators of screening, as well as opinions on a strategy employing self-collection of specimens for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. Methods: Providers and female community members were recruited for focus groups using purposive sampling. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members (n=24) and one FGD with providers (n=12) and key stakeholders were held in Migori County, Kenya, using structured guides to assess and current cervical cancer knowledge, screening practices, barriers to screening and potential strategies to facilitate screening access and uptake, including self-collected HPV testing. Results: Participants in both groups assessed the education around HPV, cervical cancer, and screening as very low in the community, and identified this lack of education as the main barrier to screening. Community members reported fear of pain and embarrassment as significant barriers to a screening pelvic exam. They also reported that lack of knowledge and discomfort among providers were significant barriers. Having undergone screening themselves or talking to someone with experience increased willingness to screen. Providers reported workload and lack of supplies and trained staff as significant barriers. Most participants in both FGDs felt that self-collection would help address barriers. Women expressed willingness to self-collect if given adequate instructions and if knowledgeable counselors were present to discuss results. Conclusion: Cervical cancer prevention strategies employing effective educational components and self-collected HPV testing could address many of the identified barriers to screening. Key findings from analysis of the focus group transcripts will be used to inform the implementation of community health campaigns. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: No COIs from the authors.

scholarly journals The potential of RNA as a target for national screening of pre-cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Karlsen ◽  
Margaret Muturi ◽  
Cosmas Muyabwa ◽  
Lars E. Roseng ◽  
Serge Bigabwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Invasive Cervical Cancer ◽  
Visual Methods ◽  
Cancer Disease ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
National Medical ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Detection Technology ◽  
Original Definition

Whole national screening of pre-cancer is done only in some few countries, dominated by The Netherlands, Denmark, UK, Norway and Finland. These national screenings are done combining national cancer registry, national public health and national medical bodies or hospitals. Until some few years ago national screening was only done using morphological or visual methods or technology. Today a number of molecular methods have been implemented to serve these national screening programs. Based on all the discussions within this review, it is clear that the main driving engine and the cause of cervical pre-cancer and the main cause of invasive cervical cancer is the expression of E6 and E7 oncoproteins from HPV 16, 18, 31, 33 and 45. However, the main challenge is the role of morphology or imaging-based diagnosis in the original definition of pre-cancer disease. This definition is not based on the cause of cervical precancer but based on a complex, subjective, morphological observations. The difference between these two definitions are discussed in this review. The unique discovery done while validating the first standardized detection technology used against mRNA, confirmed that the presence of both abnormal E6 and/or E7 mRNA and protein is the cause of cervical pre-cancer or severe neoplasia and the main cause of invasive cervical cancer. This confirmation was evident even though all these studies were disturbed by the above defined biases from morphology or imaging-based diagnosis. The use of the screening target that cause stable and high expression of the most carcinogenic compounds ever discovered, must cause a more accurate screening program. A number of studies have proved that the detection of E6/E7 mRNA followed-up by indirect or direct treatment in a well-organized national screening program, would reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. This review discusses the main studies involved in the scientific, clinical evaluation and how this unique technology could be used as a new medical gold standard for national screening of cervical pre-cancer.

scholarly journals HPV Testing of Self-Collected Vaginal Swabs for Cervical Cancer Prevention in South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 65s-66s ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Kuhn ◽  
Rakiya Saidu ◽  
Cecilia Svanholm-Barrie ◽  
Ana Tergas ◽  
Rosalind Boa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Vaginal Swab ◽  
Cervical Cancer Prevention ◽  
Hpv Testing ◽  
Cervical Sample ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Vaginal Swabs

Abstract 33 Background: Cervical cancer screening programs in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC) need to be strengthened. One of the challenges is insufficient health care personnel to achieve optimal coverage. We evaluated the potential of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing using self-collected vaginal swabs to improve screening. Methods: As part of a larger NCI-supported study in Cape Town, South Africa, we recruited 261 HIV-uninfected and 237 HIV-infected women aged 30-60 years, at one primary health care site. All women were instructed to self-collect a vaginal swab on site immediately prior to a gynecologic exam, during which a cervical sample was collected. Both self- and clinician-collected samples were tested for high risk HPV types (16, 18, 45, 31, 33, 35, 52, 58, 51, 59, 39, 56, 66, 68) using Cepheid GeneXpert (HPV XpertTM). All women underwent at least one colposcopy with histological sampling. Classification of endpoint was based on expert pathology review. Results: The HPV prevalence using the cervical vs. self sample, respectively, was 14% vs. 25% among HIV-uninfected and 50% vs. 62% among HIV-infected women. Among women who were diagnosed with grade 2 or 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical cancer, 94% were positive on HPV Xpert on the cervical and 88% on the vaginal swab, ignoring HIV status. However, specificity was poor for HPV tests done on self samples, 78% in HIV-uninfected and 52% in HIV-infected women. On a patient preference questionnaire, >90% of women stated they would be prepared to collect a sample at home and two-thirds expressed a preference to be examined by a clinician. Conclusion: Even in self-collected vaginal samples, HPV Xpert has excellent sensitivity for detecting cervical cancer precursor lesions. In LMIC settings where the ratio of health care workers to the population is low, HPV testing of self-collected samples could successfully triage women who require further evaluation and treatment. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Louise Kuhn No relationship to disclose Rakiya Saidu No relationship to disclose Cecilia Svanholm-Barrie No relationship to disclose Ana Tergas Consulting or Advisory Role: Helomics Rosalind Boa No relationship to disclose Jennifer Moodley No relationship to disclose Thomas C. Wright No relationship to disclose David Persing No relationship to disclose Scott Campbell No relationship to disclose Lynette Denny No relationship to disclose

Implementation of a community-based cervical cancer screening program using visual inspection with acetic acid and Lugol’s iodine in Kutch District, India.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e12009-e12009
Author(s):  
Surbhi Grover ◽  
Melody Ju ◽  
Lilie L. Lin ◽  
Shobha Krishnan
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Visual Inspection ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Lugol’S Iodine

e12009 Background: Visual inspection with acetic acid and Lugol’s iodine (VIA/VILI) is increasingly reframed as a bridge modality through which low resource countries can provide cervical cancer screening while waiting for the more effective HPV DNA tests to become affordable. Often the screening programs are organized by government bodies that lack the trust of the local communities and hence such programs suffer from poor participation. Here we aim to describe a locally-sustained VIA/VILI screening program in rural Kutch district in India directed by Kutch Mahlia Vikas Sangathan (KMVS), a local NGO committed to women empowerment. Methods: All capacity-building measures (funding, training, materials, and healthcare workers) were rooted in the local community. Heath workers were sent to Tata Memorial Cancer Center in Mumbai for training. NGO members held information sessions prior the screening camps educating women about the significance of screening. A three-visit screening model using VIA/VILI was implemented. At first visit, all women were consented and screened. VIA/VILI positive women returned for a second visit for biospy. Biopsy positive women then returned for a third visit to arrange for treatment. All the screening camps were conducted in community buildings such as schools with the collaboration of the village leaders. Results: Screening camps were set up in 17 villages in 2010-2011, screening a total of 832 married women upto the age of 50. There were 0 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) positive lesions or invasive cancers found. None of the women were lost to follow-up. Conclusions: It is feasible to develop a community level screening program and to provide cancer prevention needs from within a community. Future directions include further evaluation of downstream protocols after VIA/VILI tests, increasing health worker diagnostic and treatment capacity, and determining positive recruitment factors in women attending screening camps. The KMVS screening program has been well-received and has been approached by several other NGO’s and training centers seeking to build similar community-based cervical cancer screening programs.

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