Frontiers in Oncology (Dec 2013)

Coverage of cervical cancer screening in Catalonia for the period 2008-2011 among immigrants and Spanish-born women.

  • Vanesa eRodriguez-Sales,
  • Esther eRoura,
  • Esther eRoura,
  • Raquel eIbañez,
  • Mercè ePeris,
  • F. Xavier eBosch,
  • Silvia eDe Sanjose,
  • Silvia eDe Sanjose

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2013.00297
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

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Background: The Public Health system in Catalonia, Spain provides a free of charge opportunistic cervical cancer screening. In June 2006 a revised recommendations for cervical cancer screening was introduced to increase coverage and to promote a three-year interval between screening tests. Aim: This study examines cervical cancer screening coverage and prevalence of cytology abnormalities in Catalonia by immigration status.Methods: The study analyses the cytologies registered among women aged 25-65 that have been attended at the Primary Health Centers (PHC) for any reason (n=1,242,105) during 2008-11. Coverage was estimated from Governmental data base Information System Primary Care (SISAP) that includes 77% of PHC. The database is anonymous, and includes information on age, country of birth, diagnostic center and cytology results Results: During the period 2008-2011, 758,690 smears were performed in a total of 595,868 women over 14 years, of whom 18.3% were immigrants. Cytology coverage was higher among immigrant women compared to Spanish born (51.2% and 39% respectively). Immigrant women also had a higher prevalence of abnormal Paps compared to the Spanish population, 4.9% and 3.3% respectively.Conclusion: Immigrant women in Catalonia have a good access to the Public Health Services and to cervical cancer screening facilities. The higher prevalence of abnormal cytologies in immigrant women compared to native women indicates the relevance to prioritize cervical cancer screening activities on a regular base in new comers.

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