Cervical cancer screening in women referred to healthcare centres in Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Background:Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Iranian women and among the few cancers that could be easily diagnosed in the pre-malignant stage. We aimed to assess the status of cervical cancer screening in women referred to health care centres in Tabriz, northwest Iran.Materials and Methods:This descriptive-analytical study was done on 441 women referred to health care centres of Tabriz, northwest Iran. The centres were selected using the multi-stage cluster sampling method. The participants were selected from the active records of those centres. A questionnaire regarding the socio-demographic characteristics and cervical cancer screening and reasons for referring or not referring for screening was completed by the participants A P < 0.05 was considered as significant.Results:Out of the participants 49.4% of women had done the Pap smear test while 50.6% had never done this test. The main reason why women had not performed cervical cancer screening was being unaware of the importance of it (46.1%). Logistic regression analysis with adjustment showed a significant relationship between screening and awareness scores (OR = 1.17, CI = 95%:1.12-1.23), when the effect of other confounding factors [total awareness scores, risk factors (marriage or having sexual intercourse at a young age, history of obvious cervical infection, cautery, cryotherapy or repeated curettage), age and type of family planning] in screening was controlled.Conclusion:Suitable and continuous educational programmes especially for high risk women should be implemented through the health care services. Preparing educational brochures and pamphlets and providing adequate training on the necessity of early referral and marriage counseling could also be effective in improving woman's awareness and performance.

Breast and cervical cancer-screening uptake among females in Ardabil, northwest Iran: a community-based study

“…11 This was done free of charge in health care centers, but unfortunately test uptake was not favorable. In a recent Iranian study, 49.4% of females had done the test once in their lives, 10 whereas in other countries have reported rates of 85%–93%. 12 However, the results of previous studies showed a low level of performance and variations in breast cancer screening among Iranian females.…”

“… 8 Iran’s national breast cancer-screening program was introduced in 2012, and recommended that females >40 years have an annual mammogram, females 20–40 years old have one clinical breast examination (CBE) every 3 years and annual CBEs after 40 years, and monthly breast self-examination (BSEs) for females >20 years. 9 The Pap smear test is an effective screening program, 10 and according to the national program cervical cancer screening should be done for all females after marriage, and after three normal Pap smear samples this test should be repeated every 3 years. 11 This was done free of charge in health care centers, but unfortunately test uptake was not favorable.…”

Impact of counseling on cervical cancer and its screening on women knowledge, health beliefs and protective practices

“…While only 20%of the woman the mass media for early detection of the cervical cancer. As regarding after counseling cervical cancer protective practice in both groups, table (6) showed that a significant difference was observed related to Pap smear (p = .001). Also this table shows a highly statistical significant difference was observed for take vac-…”

“…cine, vaginal hygiene care, Self-examination for vulva, use of contraceptive as prescribed and diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits(p =.0001). (6) showed that the women barriers to Pap smear test included the lack of knowledge, painful test, and male screening doctor ,fear of the results ,embarrassment ,costs, and lack of time.…”

“…Cervical cancer has a long pre malignant period that provides the opportunity for screen, easily diagnosed 10 to 15 years and treat before it turns to be invasive cervical malignancy (Khodakarami et al, 2013). Due to the long-term situation before the invasion, the cervical cancer is regarded as a preventable cancer, and with the early diagnosis and treatment, the invasive cervical cancers can be prevented (Ghahramaninasab et al, 2011). American Cancer Society (2013) cited that screening is the test that is used to find a disease, in this instance, cervical cancer is usually done in individuals who do not have any symptoms of the disease.…”