Cervical Cancer Screening: Benefits and Barriers

Cervical cancer screening has been underutilized, despite its early detection benefits. Due to the cancer's long latency period, proper screening techniques and high patient participation can prevent up to 90 percent of invasive cases. The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is currently the most widely used technique for detecting abnormal cervical cytology. Level of comfort experienced by women remains low, contributing to the low compliance rate. In addition to women's ambivalence about the Pap smear, several demographic factors have been negatively associated with non-compliance, including levels of income, education, and socioeconomic status (SES). Compliance rates differ among Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic women, depending on age and other factors. This article provides an overview of studies that have examined cervical cancer screening. It sheds light on the behavioral aspect of screening and key emotional issues that must be studied in greater detail. Implications of various health education techniques are discussed.