The Lived Experience of Cervical Cancer Screening as Perceived by Indigenous Maya Women in Guatemala

Abstract

Indigenous Maya women in Guatemala have little or no access to cervical cancer screening or follow-up care. Healthcare groups initiated a program to address this situation. This study collected the women's stories before and after screening. Screening was conducted by a licensed Guatemalan medical doctor. The participants had never experienced cervical cancer screening. They were given an opportunity to tell how they felt about the screening. The stories provide an opportunity to learn of the experience of cervical cancer screening as perceived by the indigenous Maya women and could assist to develop culturally appropriate approaches to this population.