Cervical Cancer Screening: Awareness and Knowledge in Brazil

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Abstract

Cervical cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer killing an estimated 260,000 women worldwide. Most deaths are in developing countries, where screening and treatment for precancerous lesions are unavailable or women have limited access to healthcare. This holds true for Brazil, as cervical cancer is the second leading cancer amongst Brazilian women killing an estimated of 8,400 women annually. Yet cervical cancer is one of the easiest preventable cancers by routine human papillomavirus (HPV) and cytological tests. These have been proven to significantly decrease cervical cancer deaths and rising incidence rates. The state of Brazil has aimed to increase knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer screening and prevention through initiatives throughout the country. Other Latin American countries have implemented initiatives that found success in increasing awareness of cervical cancer screening in low resource settings. However, there are still challenges and barriers that women face in cervical cancer screening such as social economic factors. Nevertheless, the future of cervical cancer prevention is promising by increasing the availability of cytological tests, promoting screening efforts, and using evidence-based recommendations.