Importância da prevenção do câncer de colo de útero para redução da mortalidade em mulheres

Abstract

Cancer of the cervix may originate in one or both epithelia. The most common is squamous cell carcinoma, which began in metaplasia (transformation zone) and preceded by precursor lesion, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or squamous intraepithelial lesion. This type of cancer has a relationship with the sexual behavior of women. HPV is mentioned as the main risk factor of colorectal cancer. Factors such as hygiene, nutrition, smoking, early sexual activity, the number of partners and use of oral contraceptives also favor the emergence of this type of cancer. However, there are high rates of incidence and mortality from the disease. Women enrolled in the area of FHP III (Cruz), where I operate, adhere to some practices for preventing cervical cancer. This study aimed to seek information and name factors that influence women's decisions to conduct the examination for the prevention of cancer of the cervix to form new knowledge to guide behavior in health care of women in the unit I work in order to reduce mortality of women for cancer of the cervix. We performed a literature review of studies related to the Virtual Health Library, published in the period 2000 to 2010. The literature has shown that knowledge about cancer and cervical cancer screening test, for most women is still incipient. Consequently this contributes to the high mortality rates for these cancers in Brazil.