Análise da cobertura do exame preventivo do câncer do colo do útero no Município de Santa Inês, Maranhão, entre 2018 e 2022

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women in Brazil (INCA, 2023). It is caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that leads to lesions in the uterine epithelial tissue. While often asymptomatic, common symptoms include pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and weight loss. Diagnosis involves Pap smear or cervical cytology, recommended for women aged 25 to 59. Confirmation is done through colposcopy and biopsy. Treatment varies based on lesion progression. Prevention involves immunizing children and adolescents aged 9 to 14, condom use, regular cytology, and health education activities. This descriptive and quantitative documentary research utilized data from the Cancer Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, focusing on Santa Inês – MA. Between 2018 and 2022, 16,393 cervical cytology tests were conducted, with 2019 (4,400) and 2018 (3,760) having the highest collection rates. Coverage over the five years studied was 8.18%. Exam rates were low, particularly in 2020, possibly linked to the pandemic, as women avoided health facilities (Kaufmann et al., 2023). The age groups with the highest participation were 30-39 and 40-49, differing from Silva (2010), who found 25- 29 as the most common. ASC-US and LSIL were the main abnormalities, aligning with Vieira’s (2020) results. Repeat cytologies were 7, and follow-up cytologies were 21. Most women underwent cytology, consistent with Lima’s (2015) findings. Rejected samples were 3, and unsatisfactory were 27, in line with Freitas et al. (2023), who found only 1% unsatisfactory. Regular cytology remains the common and effective screening method, with immunization as a significant ally. Nurses play a crucial role in monitoring women affected by cervical cancer