Professional conduct during breast and uterine/cervical cancer screening consultations

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a public health problem because of its high mortality rate. This study aimed to understand social representations on prevention of cervical cancer expressed by 64 women in the town of Teresina during October and November 2009, as well as examine how those representations influence the course of the prevention examination. This qualitative study was guided by Social Representation Theory. Data was collected using the Word Association Test. The data were processed using the software Tri-Deux Mots by way of the following stimuli: cervical cancer prevention and preventive examination. Cervical cancer prevention was represented by the words care, health, tranquility, routine, shame and pain. It was concluded that, for women, cervical cancer prevention comprises health care by routine preventive screening.