Factors that affect the early detection of cervical cancer with Pap smears

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer, more frequent in women, is placed in the second place, especially in undeveloped populations. Primary prevention establishes vaccination against Human Papillomavirus, while the secondary prevention determines the detection and treatment of precancerous lesions and the tird is diagnosis and treatment of invasive cancer. The study aims are to identify the factors that affect the early detection of cervical cancer. Methodology: It is transversal, longitudinal and prospective study, it consists of 422 women over 20 years old or who have initiated sexual relations before the determined age; women who resident in Colcapirhua´s municipality. Results: 89% know the Pap smear and how it is done. 56% give much importance, 26% little importance and 18% do not care. The frequency with which they do an Pap smears is: 43.4% once a year, 4.2% every 2 years, 14% when they remember and 38.8% never. What they feel when they are doing the PAP: fear 39%, shame and discomfort 46% and the exam does not bother me 15%. What other factors can avoid you from going to the exam: Economic 31%, distance to the health center 12%, religious and family beliefs 4%, fear to result 10%, lack of time 19% and none 23%. And 70% of surveyed people prefer to be attended by a female professional. Discussion: The women who participated in this study have knowledge about the PAP, but they do not do this study due to these identified factors: Distance to the health center, religious and family beliefs, fear to result and lack of time.