Self-collection tools for routine cervical cancer screening: a review.

Nor Hayati Othman,Fatma Hariati Mohamad Zaki

doi:10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.20.8563

Nor Hayati Othman, Fatma Hariati Mohamad Zaki

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.20.8563

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Abstract

Sub-optimal participation is a major problem with cervical cancer screening in developing countries which have no organized national screening program. There are various notable factors such as 'embarrassment', 'discomfort' and 'no time' cited by women as they are often also the bread winners for the family. Implementation of self-sampling methods may increase their participation. The aim of this article was to provide a survey of various types of self-sampling tools which are commonly used in collection of cervical cells. We reviewed currently available self-sampling devices and collated the advantages and disadvantages of each in terms of its acceptance and its accuracy in giving desired results. In general, regardless of which device is used, self-sampling for cervical scrapings is highly acceptable to women in most of the studies cited.

Highlights

In developing countries, cervical cancer is one of the commonest cancers in women
We reviewed currently available self-sampling devices and collated the advantages and disadvantages of each in terms of its acceptance and its accuracy in giving desired results
There is good correlation between cervical cells obtained by self-sampling and physician

Summary

Introduction

Cervical cancer is one of the commonest cancers in women. The paradox, many developing nations do not have organized cervical cancer screening. In Malaysia for example, despite the country offering Pap smears for free since 1995, only 47.3% of Malaysian women have been screened (Othman and Rebolj, 2009). Out of 1432 cases of cervical cancers diagnosed in one teaching hospital, less than 10% of the cases have had pap smears within 3 years of cancer development (Othman et al, 2009). Urban women have better acceptance to cervical cancer screening. In one study urban Malaysian women are less likely to state “Lack of time” as the reason for not having Pap smear done (Dunn and Tan, 2010)

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Conclusion