Conceptions of women on cervical cancer screening

Abstract

Despite the high prevalence and incidence of cervical cancer, this disease can be avoided and has great healing potential when detected at early stages. Cervical cancer screening is used in monitoring programs for early diagnosis and is considered safe and effective. This study aimed to analyze the conceptions of women on cervical cancer screening. A qualitative study was carried out with 30 women assisted in primary care, in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. The Discourse of the Collective Subject was obtained from interviews carried out from August to October 2016. The speeches expressed the notions that women have about the significance of the screening test, the importance of undergoing the test, and prevention of cervical cancer. The conceptions of the interviewed women revealed that the test prevents diseases, including cervical cancer. However, the discourses left clear the lack of knowledge on HPV, its forms of prevention and cervical cancer. The analysis revealed that women have superficial or insufficient knowledge about the significance of the screening test and cervical cancer.