Development of Quality Measures for Enhanced Preventive Screening of Women for Cervical Cancer​

Abstract

In this study, we reviewed screening methods for the development of quality measures for enhanced preventive screening of women for cervical cancer. The World Health Organization has identified cervical cancer as a global health crisis and the fourth most common cancer in women. Recent developments in cervical cancer research have focused on the lack of new and accessible methods of detection and the desire to provide alternate screening methods since the benefits of the early preventive screening would outweigh potential harms. Analysis of newer methodologies and developments in preventive screening for cervical cancer is of significant public health importance in reducing the current prevalence and mortality rates worldwide. Self-sampling tests for cervical cancer are a viable option for affordable and accessible testing. We searched different electronic databases and the articles that met all the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this review. Articles were grouped into three themes: global prevalence of cervical cancer, current screening methods, and development of quality measures for enhanced screening. The results of this review showed that a wide gap still exists in the literature regarding the development of adequate, accessible, and preventive screening, diagnostic, and treatment methods for cervical cancer. More accurate and precise self-sampling and screening tests with higher acceptability and accessibility rates for HPV must be developed to detect cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer with the intention of widespread implementation. There is an urgent need to foster strong partnerships with all stakeholders, particularly decision makers to inform policy and establish newly improved, timely, and accurate screening results to reduce the disproportionate mortality rates due to cervical cancer among minority women across the United States.