Cervical cancer screening in Santiago Atitl án, Guatemala

Based on findings in the literature [1], cervical HPV DNA and anomalous cervical cytology prevalence rates have been estimated to be 38.1% and 7.7%, respectively, among the general population in Guatemala. However, the estimated cervical cancer screening coverage rate is below 20%, highlighting an important healthcare gap [2]. In Guatemala, cytology-based screening using Papanicolaou (cervical smear) testing is offered at Ministry of Health-sponsored hospitals and at private facilities. However, approximately half of the population of Guatemala resides in rural areas without access to Ministry of Health healthcare facilities [3].
Source: International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics - Category: OBGYN Authors: Tags: Brief communication Source Type: research