-
Cureus Apr 2024The human papillomavirus (HPV) belongs to the Papillomavirus family and is considered a non-enveloped virus. HPV affects individuals by causing both benign and malignant... (Review)
Review
The human papillomavirus (HPV) belongs to the Papillomavirus family and is considered a non-enveloped virus. HPV affects individuals by causing both benign and malignant lesions. We aim to define HPV and its important characteristics, explain the relation between HPVs and cervical cancer, review its prevalence among Saudi women and their awareness of screening and prevention of cervical cancer, and focus on the importance of HPV vaccination. The persistence of HPV infection is the most important risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. HPVs cannot be cultured, and the identification of the virus is dependent on a variety of techniques, including immunology, serology, and molecular biology. Cervical cancer is the fourth most prevalent form of cancer in women worldwide, while it is considered the 12th type of cancer that affects Saudi women. Unfortunately, many studies have shown a lack of awareness regarding HPV infection, screening, and vaccination among the Saudi population in general, as well as among Saudi healthcare professionals. The HPV vaccine has a potent role in preventing people from getting infected with the virus, despite some previous clinical trials assessing the outcomes of therapeutic HPV vaccinations showing unsatisfactory results. While there is no doubt about the benefits of vaccines and their role in reducing the incidence of HPV infectious diseases, there are discrepancies in the evaluation of the safety of the HPV vaccine. In conclusion, HPV is an essential etiology of cervical cancer, and the expansion of public awareness about protective methods and threat factors associated with HPV infection is highly important.
PubMed: 38699134
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57432 -
Women & Health Jul 2023Cervical cancer is a significant disease affecting women's health in terms of its incidence and is one of the most preventable cancers. However, participation in early...
Cervical cancer is a significant disease affecting women's health in terms of its incidence and is one of the most preventable cancers. However, participation in early cervical cancer-screening programs has been unsatisfactory for various reasons. In this descriptive, relationship-seeking study, we examined the relationship between fatalism tendency, an individual barrier to participation in early cancer screening programs, and women's attitudes toward the early diagnosis of cervical cancer and undergoing the Pap smear test. Research data were collected between August 1, 2019 and December 1, 2019, in a city in northern Turkey from 602 women using a participant information form, the Attitudes Toward Early Diagnosis in Cervical Cancer Scale, and the Fatalism Tendency Scale. We found that fatalistic tendencies in women were a predictor of their attitudes toward the early diagnosis of cervical cancer (odds ratio [OR] = -0.64, β = .47, < .001) and undergoing the Pap smear test (OR = 1.01, β = -.15, < .001). Women with high fatalism tendencies had a more negative attitude toward the early diagnosis of cervical cancer and their participation rate in Pap smear screening programs was low. Therefore, nurses must consider women's fatalistic tendencies and attitudes toward cancer when organizing educational and informational programs that encourage participation in cervical cancer screening.
Topics: Female; Humans; Vaginal Smears; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Papanicolaou Test; Mass Screening
PubMed: 37303197
DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2023.2223698 -
Women & Health Jul 2023The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of the Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire (CDDQ) in women with...
The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of the Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire (CDDQ) in women with abnormal Pap smear results. This validation study was conducted using a cross-sectional research design. A total of 115 patients who were being followed up in the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic of a university hospital due to an abnormal Pap smear test were included. In the study, the results of language and content validity, item analysis, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency coefficients, and concurrent and convergent validity were assessed in order to adapt the CDDQ to the Turkish language and culture and to determine its reliability and validity. It was determined that all factor loads of the scale ranged from 0.13 to 0.85. The exploratory variance was found to be 29.986 for the first subscale, 19.734 for the second subscale, 16.551 for the third subscale, and 66.271 for the overall scale. Cronbach's alpha values for the tension during the examination, concerns about health consequences, and concerns about sexual consequences were 0.92, 0.91, and 0.87, respectively. The desired level of correlation was achieved between the CDDQ and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In the study, the Turkish adaptation of the CDDQ was found to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess psychological distress in women with abnormal Pap smear results.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Reproducibility of Results; Cross-Sectional Studies; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Language; Psychometrics
PubMed: 37312606
DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2023.2223670 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Jul 2023The low screening coverage and reluctance of women in participation lead to low uptake in cervical screening tests. Hence the majority of cervical cancer patients... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The low screening coverage and reluctance of women in participation lead to low uptake in cervical screening tests. Hence the majority of cervical cancer patients visiting the hospitals are diagnosed at advanced stage, often leading to poor survival rate. This paper aims to review and compile available cancer screening devices so that more people in this field will adopt suitable devices in cervical cancer screening routine depending on requirements which may encourage the uptake in cervical screening tests.
METHODS
This paper reviews devices invented for different cervical cancer screening methods, which are Pap smear test, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) or Lugol's iodine (VILI), and HPV (human papillomavirus)-DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) self-test in terms of functionality, performance in solving the limitations of screening procedure and additionally where applicable, the cervical cell collection efficacy and abnormality detection accuracy. The devices are either available in the market, published in research articles or published in international patent databases.
RESULT
The reviewed devices either simplified the screening procedure to improve the clinical efficiency and accuracy in screening, reduced the pain and discomfort experienced by women during screening procedures, or achieved both outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Many devices have been invented to improve the screening procedures which may potentially improve the uptake in cervical screening tests and encourage the organization of screening campaigns to reduce cervical cancer incidence.
Topics: Humans; Female; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Vaginal Smears; Mass Screening; Cervix Uteri; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Acetic Acid; Iodides; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia; Papillomavirus Infections
PubMed: 37505749
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.7.2207 -
Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem 2023to identify, map and describe characteristics of educational interventions for cervical cancer prevention in adult women. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
to identify, map and describe characteristics of educational interventions for cervical cancer prevention in adult women.
METHODS
a scoping review conducted on eleven databases and the gray literature, including studies that described educational interventions aimed at preventing cervical cancer in adult women.
RESULTS
thirty-three articles with 151,457 participants were analyzed. The most used educational strategies were participatory discussions and educational leaflets. Most of the interventions took place in a single session, ranging from 40 to 60 minutes. The most used theoretical model in interventions to improve women's compliance with Pap smear was the Health Belief Model.
CONCLUSIONS
group discussions, lectures and educational brochures can increase knowledge and reduce barriers to cervical cancer prevention. Theory-based and culturally sensitive interventions can have a positive impact on women's health.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Papanicolaou Test; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed: 38018622
DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2023-0018 -
BMC Public Health Apr 2024Réunion Island is a French overseas territory located in the southern Indian Ocean, with a challenging socioeconomic and multicultural context. Compared to mainland...
BACKGROUND
Réunion Island is a French overseas territory located in the southern Indian Ocean, with a challenging socioeconomic and multicultural context. Compared to mainland France, Réunion has an overincidence and overmortality of cervical cancer. In order to investigate these two issues, it is important to evaluate the barriers and potential levers to Pap smear screening among female inhabitants of the island. We aimed to identify the specific socio-demographic factors, cultural factors, and living conditions associated with Pap smear screening in Réunion, with a view to increasing uptake.
METHODS
We conducted a Knowledge Attitude Behavior and Practices (KABP) survey on cervical cancer screening practices among women aged between 25 and 65 years old living in Réunion Island, selected using random digit dialing sampling. Data were collected using Computer Assistant Telephone Interviews. Weighted chi-squared tests and Student's t-tests were used to compare women who had up-to-date Pap smear screening with women who did not. Weighted logistic models were used to identify the factors associated with not having up-to-date screening.
RESULTS
A total of 1000 women were included in the study. Of these, 88.1% had a Pap smear test during the previous three years. Factors independently associated with not being up to date were as follows: aged over 55 (AOR 2.3 [1.2-4.3]), no children (AOR 2.5 [1.4-4.3]), having free universal health coverage (AOR 1.7 [1.1-2.7]), an income per unit consumption lower than 1500€ per month (AOR 2.0 [1.1-3.7]), low health literacy (AOR 2.7 [1.7-4.1]), not consulting a general practitioner in the prior 12 months (AOR 3.6 [2.0-6.5]), and a BMI > 30 (AOR 2.6 [1.5-4.4]).
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first large-scale survey focusing on recommended Pap smear screening uptake in Réunion Island. Although self-reported screening incidence was higher than in mainland France, national screening policies must take into account the island's diverse social and cultural characteristics (e.g., an ageing population, low health literacy), while implementing actions to fight against poverty and increase general access to healthcare.
Topics: Humans; Female; Papanicolaou Test; Middle Aged; Adult; Reunion; Aged; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Socioeconomic Factors; Early Detection of Cancer; France; Vaginal Smears; Cultural Characteristics
PubMed: 38654197
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18633-4 -
Ethnicity & Health Aug 2023Previous studies of disparities in breast and cervical cancer screenings have focused on broad racial/ethnic groups or nativity status without accounting for immigration...
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies of disparities in breast and cervical cancer screenings have focused on broad racial/ethnic groups or nativity status without accounting for immigration histories. Recent theoretical work argues for using intersectional approaches and examining within-group inequalities. Utilizing multiple years of National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data, we examined between- and within-group Papanicolaou (Pap) test and mammogram screening based on nativity and length of U.S. residence for Asian and Hispanic women, along with non-Hispanic Black and White women.
DESIGN
The study samples consist of 54,900 women ages 21-64 without a hysterectomy who responded to questions about Pap test screening and 36,300 women ages 40-64 who responded to questions about mammogram screening. Asian and Hispanic women were further stratified by nativity and, for immigrants, length of time in the United States. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant associations with Pap test and mammogram screenings.
RESULTS
Recent Asian and Hispanic immigrants had the lowest Pap test and mammogram rates among all other groups, while Black (and White women for mammograms) women had the highest rates. After accounting for age, marital status, health insurance, education, employment status, and income, both Asian groups had lower odds, and Black and all Hispanic groups had higher odds of Pap test screening compared with White women. Similar results were observed for mammogram screening, except that long-term immigrant/U.S.-born Asian and U.S.-born Hispanic women did not have significantly different odds compared with White women. In general, the strength and direction of most sociodemographic variables were similar across groups for Pap test screening but differed for mammogram screening.
CONCLUSIONS
The between-group differences identified emphasize the disparities in screening between racial/ethnic groups while the within-group differences suggest the need to examine whether more targeted outreach efforts and prevention messages can increase screening for specific groups.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Hispanic or Latino; Mammography; Papanicolaou Test; Racial Groups; United States; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Asian; Black or African American; White
PubMed: 36774194
DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2023.2174254 -
Cureus Sep 2023Cervix intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) refers to abnormal changes in the squamous cells of the cervix, with more significant changes known as high-grade squamous...
BACKGROUND
Cervix intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) refers to abnormal changes in the squamous cells of the cervix, with more significant changes known as high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) occurring in grades II and III.
AIM
The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and explore potential risk factors for HSIL among women living in the Kurdistan region, Iraq.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The research encompassed a sample size of 1300 female participants whose Papanicolaou (pap) smears were taken in several hospitals located within the Kurdistan region. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of cervical infection among these women. This was a multi-centre study conducted from January 2021 to the end of December 2021 for the determination of pap smears and the relationship between CIN and cervical cancer. Only 120 (9.23%) of those 1300 participants suffered from cervical or vaginal problems. A pap smear, also known as a pap test, is a routine screening procedure used to detect abnormal cervical cells that may indicate cervical cancer or precancerous conditions. The procedure involves collecting a sample of cells from the cervix.
RESULTS
The most important details in this study are the age groups and percentages of women who have undergone a pap smear. There were four women who tested positive for cervical cancer, accounting for 3.33% of the 120 participants with cervical or vaginal problems. However, there were 116 (96.67%) women who tested negative. With regard to the distribution of inflammation rates among the participants with cervical or vaginal problems, there were 114 (95%) women who suffered inflammation, whereas there were six (5%) women without inflammation. In each age group, the numbers of women with and without cervical cancer, as well as the corresponding percentages, were considered. The data suggest that the incidence of cervical cancer tends to increase with age since higher percentages were observed in older age groups. The study highlights the importance of regular screenings and age-specific cervical cancer prevention and detection strategies to ensure early diagnosis and effective medical interventions.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of cervical cancer cases was relatively low, with only 0.31% of the total participants diagnosed with cervical cancer. The majority, accounting for 99.69%, did not have cervical cancer. These results highlight the importance of pap smear screenings as a valuable tool for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. They also highlight the importance of regular screenings, especially for younger women, to detect and treat cervical abnormalities at an early stage.
PubMed: 37868416
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45725 -
Journal of Cancer Epidemiology 2023Despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer, cervical cancer remains an important public health problem, especially in developing countries. However, there...
BACKGROUND
Despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer, cervical cancer remains an important public health problem, especially in developing countries. However, there is limited evidence regarding awareness and practice of screening for cervical cancer among women in resource-poor settings like Nepal. This study is aimed at assessing the awareness of cervical cancer, risk perception, and practice of Pap smear tests among adult women of Dhulikhel municipality of Kavreplanchowk district in Nepal. . A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 women (aged 18-45 years) residing across the Dhulikhel municipality of Nepal. Systematic random sampling method with face-to-face interviews was conducted to collect data. A descriptive analysis was performed to assess the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. The chi-square test was used to determine the factors associated with risk perception and participants' demographic characteristics.
RESULTS
The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 30.7 ± 7.9 years. This study found that around 55% and 38% of women had heard about cervical cancer and Pap smear test, respectively. Of those who had heard of the Pap test, only 37.6% had ever practiced the test. Similarly, 33.2% and 12.1% knew about the correct age group and time interval to perform the Pap test, respectively. Among those who had heard about cervical cancer, nearly 57% had positive perceptions toward cervical cancer. In addition, risk perception of cervical cancer was found to be associated with participant age, family type, and marital status.
CONCLUSION
The women had inadequate knowledge and practice of cervical cancer and Pap smear test. This study concluded the need for a context-specific and effective health awareness program to promote preventive measures for cervical cancer and enhance the practice of Pap smear test in the community.
PubMed: 37663110
DOI: 10.1155/2023/6859054 -
American Journal of Clinical Pathology Aug 2023The 2019 American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology management guidelines recommend that patients with an unsatisfactory Papanicolaou (Pap) test (UPT) and...
OBJECTIVES
The 2019 American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology management guidelines recommend that patients with an unsatisfactory Papanicolaou (Pap) test (UPT) and negative human papillomavirus (HPV) cotest undergo repeat age-based screening in 2 to 4 months. The rationale is that a negative HPV test in the setting of an UPT may reflect an inadequate sample and therefore should not be interpreted as truly "negative." For patients 25 years and older who are cotested, if HPV is positive for the 16 or 18 genotypes, direct referral for colposcopy is recommended. Our study aimed to determine if a negative HPV cotest result is predictive of the absence of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and whether these patients may be called back for repeat testing at an interval longer than 2 to 4 months.
METHODS
Follow-up cervical cytology and biopsy results in women with UPT and HPV cotests from January 2017 to December 2021 were collected. Original UPT and HPV cotest results were correlated with the follow-up Pap and biopsy results.
RESULTS
There were 1,496 (2.28%) UPT cases out of 65,641 total Pap tests. Among the 1,496 UPT cases, 1,010 (67.5%) had HPV cotesting; 676 (45.1%) were followed by repeat Pap or biopsy within 4 months and 850 (56.8%) within 12 months. The total follow-up rate was 81%, with a range of 3 days to 36 months. The HSIL rate in HPV-positive cases was 5.7% (3/53) vs 0.4% (2/539) (P = .006) in HPV-negative cases. In UPT, HPV cotesting showed negative predictive values for low-grade and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion detection of 98.5% and 99.6%, respectively, while positive predictive values were 19% and 5.7%.
CONCLUSIONS
A negative HPV cotest in individuals with UPT predicted the lack of HSIL in our study. Compliance with the recommended follow-up time of 2 to 4 months for women with UPT was low (45.1%). Our study suggests that women with UPT and negative HPV cotest may be safely called back at an interval longer than 4 months.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Infant; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Papillomavirus Infections; Follow-Up Studies; Vaginal Smears; Papanicolaou Test; Colposcopy; Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions; Carcinoma in Situ; Papillomaviridae
PubMed: 37052613
DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqad026