Diagnostics (Jul 2022)

Thousands of Women’s Lives Depend on the Improvement of Poland’s Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention Education as Well as Better Networking Strategies Amongst Cervical Cancer Facilities

  • Marcin Śniadecki,
  • Patryk Poniewierza,
  • Paulina Jaworek,
  • Ada Szymańczyk,
  • Gorm Andersson,
  • Maria Stasiak,
  • Michał Brzeziński,
  • Małgorzata Bońkowska,
  • Magdalena Krajewska,
  • Joanna Konarzewska,
  • Dagmara Klasa-Mazurkiewicz,
  • Paweł Guzik,
  • Dariusz Grzegorz Wydra

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12081807
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 8
p. 1807

Abstract

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Proper targeted cancer prophylaxis reduces the incidence of cancer in all forms; this includes cancers with significant progression potential and poor prognosis. Based on the assumption that one of the risk factors of cervical cancer is the avoidance of screening tests, we analyzed the current scenario of cervical cancer (CC) screening and recommendations in Poland (country with a well-off socioeconomic status). Based on the comprehensive literature review concerning documents of guidelines and recommendations of various bodies, including national ones, data on the implementation of CC screening in Poland, and different models for medium-to-high-income countries, we proposed how the CC screening strategy could be improved. Finally, the new strategy was further developed for those who are prone to not being screened. The proposal on how to improve the Polish CC screening program is the following: refinement of the public education on CC risk factors, popularization of CC screening incentives amongst the public, and improvement of networking strategies between CC screening facilities (“cervical screening clinical”), allowing screenings to be more efficient and rapid. We believe that, to enhance the future quality of life of those with rapid CC progression by catching the disease preemptively and limiting the sequelae of the disease, we have to improve education and access to medical services.

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