Acceptability of cervical-vaginal self-collection in cervical cancer screening in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in the Northern, North-East and Central East regions of Brazil. It is estimated that in 2023, there were 770 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the State of Pernambuco. This study has sought to correlate conventional cytology with vaginal self-sampling by making an assessment of means of socio-demographic, socio-cultural and clinical factors. A survey was conducted of 404 women in Pernambuco through self-sampling to ensure that the screening method for cancer was secure. The data showed that 79.9% adopted the self-sampling method with little or no discomfort or pain and without any embarrassment or fear of hurting themselves. Self-sampling was regarded as more practical because it means that the women can decide to remain at home or attend a laboratory without the usual discomfort of a conventional examination. Thus self-sampling had a high rate of acceptance among the women who were examined and this suggests that it might be an effective alternative for the screening of cervical cancer.