Cervical Cancer Screening Recommendations

This assignment explores the topic of cervical cancer screening. It delves into the causes of cervical cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection through Pap tests. The document analyzes the financial burden associated with late-stage treatment and discusses the benefits and disadvantages of cytology screening. Additionally, it highlights the need for ongoing research to improve screening methods and address emerging trends in cervical cancer.

Running head: CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING RECOMMENDATION 1
Cervical Cancer Screening Recommendation
Name
Institutional Affiliation

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING RECOMMENDATION 2
Cervical Cancer Screening Recommendation
Question 1
Cancer is “the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body” (Dunleavey, 2008).
Cervical cancer “normally occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control”
(Hasan, 2009). Cervical cancer can be perfectly treated if detected at a very early stage through a
test called Pap test. Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called Human Papillomavirus or HPV,
which is contracted through sexual intercourse with someone who has HPV (Hasan, 2009). The
most common symptoms of cervical cancer are; bleeding in the virginal, pain in the lower belly
and during sex or discharge in the virginal that is not normal.
Question 2
This disease can be successfully treated if detected early as stated above and it’s one of
the most costly diseases in terms of finances. The burden of cancer relates to the cost aspects,
loss of life, loss of productive workforce and as well as the society burden for the patients.
Cervical cancer treatment at a late stage is very expensive and can be a burden especially if the
cancer patient is not financially stable. Both incident rate and mortality rate increases with age;
however, older women are prone to higher risks of cervical cancer (Hasan, 2009).
Question 3
The benefits of Screening women between the ages of 21year-29years is that the HPV
can be detected at an early stage and therefore treatable hence lower the risk of getting cervical
cancer. Cervical cancer test should only be done with cytology (Pap smear) after every 3years.
The disadvantage of screening with cytology includes short-term psychological distress, for
example, anxiety related to the positive result and the time and burden resulting from the
evaluation of false positive results (Dunleavey, 2008). Screening for cervical cancer with

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING RECOMMENDATION 3
cytology should start at an age of 21years-29years, and not HPV treatment which starts at 30
years, but I believe there are women at the age of 28years -29years who may need HPV
treatment and because they are not in the same age group, and this may lead to poor diagnosis.
Question 4
The rising costs of care and the negative outcomes associated with cancer has fostered
research and development programs in order to establish effective ways to address the condition.
However, there still exist research needs and gaps that potentially affect the screening
recommendation such as the changing nature of cancer, its causes and effective interventions.
The lack of effective research on the new approaches to cancer screening and intervention affect
the recommendation in terms of gaining trust on the screening effectiveness.

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING RECOMMENDATION 4
References
Dunleavey, R. (2008). Cervical Cancer: A Guide for Nurses. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Hasan, H. (2009). Cervical cancer: Current and emerging trends in detection and treatment.
New York: Rosen Pub.