Cervical cancer in developing countries: effective screening and preventive strategies with an application in Rwanda

Health Care Women Int. 2014;35(7-9):1065-80. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2014.909433. Epub 2014 Jun 19.

Abstract

In this article we explore literature regarding cervical cancer screening methods available in developing countries. Cervical cancer is a preventable and curable disease, but it continues to threaten the lives of many women. Eighty-five percent of cases and the majority of deaths occur in developing countries. Cytology via Papinicolaou (Pap) smear is not generally a suitable method of screening in low-resource regions. Alternative methods include visual inspection by acetic acid (VIA), human papillomavirus-deoxyribonucleic acid (HPV-DNA), and careHPV-DNA. Education is needed for health care providers and women about preventive immunization and screening. A Rwandan project is described to demonstrate effective program planning and implementation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cervix Uteri / cytology
  • Cervix Uteri / pathology
  • Early Detection of Cancer / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Papanicolaou Test
  • Program Development
  • Rwanda
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Vaginal Smears / statistics & numerical data