Conclusion
It is poignant to stress that it is not so much the lack of knowledge per
se but what types of knowledge as well as behavioral and cultural factors
that impact on women's risk perceptions that lead to uptake of screening.
Thus, emphasis should be placed on targeted knowledge of established
risk factors, the understanding of cervical cancer etiology, and the causative
role of HPV in promotion of cervical cancer screening to eliminate anecdotal
beliefs as risks for cervical cancer. Highlighting that cervical cancer
is curable via early detection can counter perception that cervical cancer is
‘other-defined’ and leads to behavioral change towards screening. Culturally
sensitive screening processes would also be effective. Some of these
interventions would increase and sustain uptake of Pap smear screening
versus current opportunistic screening practices despite the existence of
a national Pap smear screening program since 1969.