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. 2021 Feb 10;18(4):1721.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph18041721.

Challenges in the Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Romania

Raluca Dania Todor  1 , Gabriel Bratucu  1 , Marius Alexandru Moga  2 , Adina Nicoleta Candrea  1 , Luigi Geo Marceanu  2 , Costin Vlad Anastasiu  2
Affiliations

Challenges in the Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Romania

Raluca Dania Todor et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Approximately every two hours, a Romanian woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer as the country ranks first in the EU in terms of its mortality rate. This paper aims to identify the main reasons that have led to this situation. First, a study based on secondary data was conducted in order to identify measures taken by the Romanian Ministry of Health for the prevention of this type of cancer. Second, a quantitative study was conducted to evaluate the impact that exposure to information and awareness campaigns has on women's behavior regarding cervical cancer prevention through screening. The results of the research show an increased percentage of the women understanding the importance of screening and the benefits of early diagnosis, but also shows that a high percentage of women postpone the routine checks due to lack of time and financial resources. The research results also indicate that the only free screening program implemented in Romania during 2012-2017 was a failure due to poor procedures, low number of women tested, underfunding and the lack of promotion. Our conclusion is that the Romanian Ministry of Health has to take immediate action by conducting major awareness campaigns and also by implementing functional screening programs.

Keywords: cervical cancer; prevention; screening programs.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Respondents’ level of awareness about the existence of the Romanian cervical cancer screening program (% of total number of respondents, n = 1945).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Respondents’ participation in the Romanian cervical cancer screening program (% of total number of respondents, n = 1945).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Respondents’ participation in a routine gynecological including a Pap smear test (% of total number of respondents, n = 1945).
Figure 4
Figure 4
The main reasons motivating respondents’ cervical cancer screening (% of total number of respondents, n = 1672).
Figure 5
Figure 5
The main reasons causing respondents’ non-attendance to cervical cancer screening (% of total number of respondents, n = 273).
Figure 6
Figure 6
The frequency of routine Pap smear tests (n = 1945).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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