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The frequency of screening is also influenced
by the sensitivity of the test, making certain assumptions about the
underlying incidence of cancer, it has been estimated that in Western
countries screening a women every 5 years between the ages 20 and 64
confers 84% protection against invasive cancer. Increasing the frequency
of screening to 3 yearly enhances here protection to 91%, and annual
screening brings it up to 93%. The remaining 7% represent either missed
cases due to a lack of sensitivity of the test, or rapidly growing
cancers, which will pass through the pre invasive stage within 1 year.
(6)
The United States preventive services task Force recommended
papanicolaou smears at least every 3 years, for women who have been
sexually active and have a cervix. The American Cancer Society
states that all women who have been sexually active should have annual
papanicolaou tests and pelvic examinations. After three or more
consecutive negative smear results, the papanicolaou smear can be
performed less frequently at the discretion of the physician. (5)
The factors reducing the participation of women in the cervical screening programme are:
* Poor awareness of the indications and benefits of the cervical smear
test.
* Lack of knowledge of cervical cancer and its risk (Factor's).
* Fear of embarrassment, pain or cancer.
* Lack of female screener's or convenient clinic times.
* Anxiety caused by receiving an abnormal cervical smear result.
* Poor understanding of cervical screening procedures; and
* A need for additional information.
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The general aim of this survey is to assess the knowledge of the Sharjah married female teachers of considering the pap smear as a routine examination.
Objectives
1. Estimate the level of knowledge of the target population,
concerning cervical cancer and its method of early detection.
2. To determine the acceptance of the Sharjah married teachers
of considering the pap smears as a routine examination.
3. To examine factors influencing women's participation in the
screening programme.
4. To determine where the target population would prefer to do
the test and by whom and how extend family physician can
play a role in screening for cervical cancer.
Hypothesis
The following hypothesis were tested:
1. The school teachers as an elite group of women, should have
a good level of knowledge about cervical cancer and
papanicolaou smear.
2. The greater the knowledge about cervical cancer and pap
smear tests the more papanicolaou smear screening is
practiced.
3. The higher the husband education level the more papanicolaou
smear screening is practiced.
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