Authors:
Kavanagh AM. Broom DH.
Institution:
Dr. A. M. Kavanagh, Cancer Epidemiology Centre, Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria, 1 Rathdowne Street, Carlton South, Vic. 3053; Australia.
Title:
Women's understanding of abnormal PAP test (cervical smear) test
Results:
A qualitative interview study (1997-1685).
Source:
BMJ. Vol 314(7091) (pp388-1391), 1997.
Abstract:
Objectives:
To describe how women interpret their experiences of diagnosis and treatment of a cervical abnormality and how healthcare services for such women can be improved.
Design:
Qualitative study using detailed individual interviews.
Setting:
Australian gynaecology clinics. Subjects: 29 Women who had a cervical cytological abnormality and who attended a gynaecologist
Settings, Design and Main Outcome Measures:
Women's views on their diagnosis and their information needs.
Results:
Most women wanted to participate in decisions about their care but found it difficult to get the information they required from doctors because they were confused by what their doctors told them and felt unable to ask questions in the consultation. Medical terms such as wart virus and precancer were difficult to understand. Not being able to see their cervix also made it hard for women to understand what their abnormality meant and what treatment entailed. Most women tried to make sense of their abnormality in the context of their everyday lives. For some women their gynaecological care was not consistent with the way they understood their abnormality.
Conclusions:
The inherent power structure of medical practice combined with time pressures often make it difficult for doctors to give the detailed information and reassurance patients need when a diagnosis is distressing or when investigation and treatment are strange and upsetting.
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What is the cervix?
- 2 What is a cervical polyp?
- 3 What is meant by cervical erosion (ectopy) and cervicitis?
- 4 What is the transformation zone?
- 5 What is a 'Paptest' (PAP test (cervical smear) test)
- 6 My PAP smear test (cervical smear) shows inflammation. Should I be worried?
- 7 What are cells and what is an abnormal (pre- malignant) cell?
- 8 My PAP smear test (cervical smear) shows abnormal cells. Does this mean that I have cancer?
- 9 What is meant by the terms pre-malignant cells, dyskaryosis, dysplasia and CIN?
- 10 What are the symptoms of pre-malignancy of the cervix?
- 11 What are benign and malignant tumours?
- 12 Why have I developed a pre-malignant condition of my cervix?
- 13 What is colposcopy?
- 14 What treatments are available for pre-malignant conditions of the cervix?
- 15 Can pre-malignant conditions of the cervix be cured?
- 16 How can I be re-assured that the pre-malignant changes will not recur?
- 17 How can we prevent carcinoma of the cervix?
- 18 Is there a reason to screen for HPV?
- 19 Support Groups.
- 20 Are there any support groups?
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
