Improving women’s uptake of cervical screening in primary care
Why you should read this article:
•
To enhance your knowledge of how cervical screening is used to prevent cancer
•
To understand the reasons why some women do not attend cervical screening appointments
•
To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)
•
To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)
The number of women attending cervical screening appointments has been declining in recent years. As a result, cervical abnormalities are not being detected early and women are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer. This increased risk means that healthcare professionals in primary care need to devise strategies to improve the uptake of cervical screening.
This article outlines the data on non-attendance at cervical screening appointments and identifies the cohorts of women who are at the highest risk of non-attendance. The article also discusses strategies that healthcare professionals can implement to improve the uptake of cervical screening.
