Abstract
Cervical cancer is regarded as the most common diagnosed type of cancer and resulting in high cancer related mortality amongst women. Cervical cancer related mortality rate is a serious challenge in Africa as compared to other countries, which needs a high collaborative approach amongst all health professionals. However, the higher incidence and death rate of cervical cancer implies that, high need of cervical cancer screening measures are necessary. 
 
 A qualitative, descriptive approach was conducted through focus group discussions to establish perceptions of professional nurses regarding the provision of cervical cancer screening services in clinics. Challenges regarding the provision of cervical cancer services in clinics were raised by professional nurses during interviews. Verbatim data was collected by using interview guides and analyzed using Tesch’s 8-step approach in the coding process. Perceptions such as cultural beliefs, lack of resources for conduction of cervical cancer screening and transportation of Pap smear specimens and results, inadequate provision of information and pap smear results to clients were raised by professional nurses as contributing to cervical cancer uptake. Lack of standardized cervical cancer screening training thus leading to professional nurses not being sure of their performance regarding the provision of cervical cancer screening services were also stated by participants as challenges influencing uptake of cervical cancer screening. However, lack of standardized training about cervical cancer screening was found to be affecting the performance on provision of cervical screening services. 
 
 A need for standardized cervical cancer screening training for all professional nurses is recommended.
Highlights
Cervical cancer remains a second worldwide burden, especially in developing countries like South Africa, where high cervical cancer incidences and mortality rate are common
A qualitative, descriptive approach was conducted through focus group discussions to establish perceptions of professional nurses regarding the provision of cervical cancer screening services in clinics
Lack of standardized cervical cancer screening training leading to professional nurses not being sure of their performance regarding the provision of cervical cancer screening services were stated by participants as challenges influencing uptake of cervical cancer screening
Summary
Cervical cancer remains a second worldwide burden, especially in developing countries like South Africa, where high cervical cancer incidences and mortality rate are common. The study adds the body of knowledge about the perceptions of professional nurses regarding the performance of cervical cancer screening in Makhuduthamaga Sub-district. According to Sabulei and Maree (2019), South Africa is the second most common cancer in women regarding cervical cancer, and most commonly in black women with 30% of all cancers It is expected of every professional nurse to perform their duties as expected by their scope of practice as stated in the Nursing Act 33 of 2005 (Muller & Bester, 2016) fulfilling their functional status (Sabulei & Maree, 2019). The study was conducted among professional nurses to establish their perceptions regarding performance of cervical cancer in Makhuduthamaga Sub-district, as it contributes and form part of the high cervical cancer statistics in South Africa. A need to improve cervical cancer awareness among the at-risk groups and the menfolk, based on the immense benefit of male involvement in reproductive health matters, has been highly recommended (Wright et al, 2014)
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