Cervical cancer screening in Armenia

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer in the female population and simultaneously the leading cause of cancer death among women. Up to 300,000 women die annually from cervical cancer worldwide. Developing and underdeveloped countries contribute the most to cervical cancer mortality. Cervical cancer develops over several years, moving through precancerous, early cancer, and finally advanced cancer stages. Detection and treatment of precancerous and early stage of cervical cancer can effectively prevent the progression to invasive disease, which have low survival rates. Widespread comprehensive cervical cancer control programs have helped some developed countries to achieve up to 80% reduction in incidence and mortality from cervical cancer. The best explanation of high mortality from cervical cancer in developing countries is that 60-80% of cases are seen in advanced stages (III & IV), if ever diagnosed. with a low probability of long-term survival. The high cervical cancer mortality rate in Armenia is also due to late diagnosis. One of the main reasons for late diagnosis is low awareness among women especially in rural areas about the importance of regular gynecological observation. This proposal seeks $56,000.00 to increase awareness of the importance of regular medical check-ups for cervical cancer. This aim will be addressed by the use of TV and Radio spots explaining the importance of cervical cancer screening, and calling for regular cervical cancer check-ups. This approach is the best way to provide basic educational information that will facilitate change in the attitude of target population toward cervical cancer screening in Armenia. Evaluation will utilize one group pretest and posttest design. Women visits rate for cervical cancer checks before conducting the program will be compared with the same data twelve months after the program starts. A 30% increase in the visit rate for cervical cancer will indicate the success of the program.