RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SCREENING CERVICAL CANCER DURING THE PANDEMIC: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: The current Covid-19 pandemic is taking public health hostage, with a large number of infected patients globally and an increasing number of newly diagnosed patients, the disease poses an unprecedented challenge to health systems. Elective procedures, including cancer screening, have been suspended in most countries due to the need to prioritize emergencies and reduce the risk of the spread of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in health services. Even if measures to prevent the new coronavirus are necessary, it is of paramount importance that women continue to carry out their routine exams according to the recommendations for carrying out the pap smear. Objective: To identify in the literature, recommendations for the pap smear to be performed safely during the pandemic. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, carried out by consulting scientific articles on the subject. The research for the bibliographic survey was carried out from the scientific databases of the virtual libraries: Scientific Electronic Online Library (SCIELO), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE). Results and Discussions: Based on the literature review, it became clear that uterine cancer screening actions during the pandemic require a careful analysis by the professional, evaluating the risks and benefits involved, in view of the current epidemiological scenario and the responsiveness of the health care network. It is important to follow all restrictions, as the risk of delaying cancer screening and the risk of contamination with the new coronavirus must be analyzed individually. Conclusion: The present integrative review showed, through the scientific literature, the importance of incorporating safe practices for performing the Pap smear. In the trajectory of the analysis of this study, it was also possible to perceive that factors, even with the risks of spreading the virus, are essential for the consultation to be carried out for cancer screening.