Cervical cancer screening: Barriers to access and potential solutions for Nigeria

Autores

  • Christie Divine Akwaowo Institute of Health Research, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria
  • Tazio Vanni Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, Brazil

Palavras-chave:

cervical cancer, cancer screening, demand -developing countries, access

Resumo

In developed countries, giant strides have been made in reducing mortality due to cervical cancer. The success recorded has been largely attributed to effective screening programmes. In contrast, the burden and mortality due to this disease is rising in developing countries. Access to screening services remains a major challenge for the majority of the population at risk. This paper reviews the current demand-side barriers to cervical cancer screening inNigeriaand identifies potential solutions. Using academic databases and grey literature, a review was carried out to identify current screening modalities, barriers to access, and potential solutions. The current innovative method for control is early detection and treatment using “See and Treat” which involves visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy. Lack of awareness, cost, and availability were identified as major barriers to access. Potential solutions feasible in the Nigerian context were categorized as financial and non-financial. The potential financial interventions include voucher schemes, conditional cash transfers, health equity, community loan funds, and prepayment mechanisms. Potential non-financial interventions that would be useful include raising awareness via health education and counseling, community participation, community based interventions, and pre-payment mechanisms.

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Biografia do Autor

Christie Divine Akwaowo, Institute of Health Research, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

Consultant Community Physician and Researcher in Epidemiology and Health Systems with the Institute of Health Research, University of Uyo.

Lecturer I in the Community Health Department University of Uyo Akwa Ibom State

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Publicado

2015-03-19

Como Citar

1.
Akwaowo CD, Vanni T. Cervical cancer screening: Barriers to access and potential solutions for Nigeria. Clin Biomed Res [Internet]. 19º de março de 2015 [citado 29º de março de 2024];35(1). Disponível em: https://seer.ufrgs.br/index.php/hcpa/article/view/52764

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