Baixa adesão das mulheres ao exame Papanicolaou

Abstract

The cancer of the cervix is a public health problem in every developing country, including Brazil. The morbidity and mortality rates keep high for decades, even though it is a disease that may be treated when the diagnosis is made early. Recognized by national and international organizations, the Pap test is highly effective in the identification of pre cancer injuries, besides being low cost and easy to execute. Despite this fact, the exam is not used regularly by women. This study has the objective of identifying women´s low adherence to the Pap test and propose new strategies to increase it. A literature review was held, where the articles were collected in the electronic base LILACS and BDENF, without a deadline. The main reasons found in the reluctance of taking the test were: difficulty in accessing the health service, fear and embarrassment, low school level, partner absence and schedule incompatibility. We conclude that if we identify the reasons, it is possible to elaborate strategies to increase the gathering of tests, and thus take the necessary measures according to the results.