Cervical cancer screening opportunities for Guinea-Bissau

Perceptions of Midwives on Pap Smear Tests during Pregnancy

Purpose:

The aim of the study was to explore and describe perceptions of midwives on Papanicolaou (Pap smear) test during pregnancy.

Methods:

The study used qualitative, exploratory type of design. A probability purposive sampling was used to sample 12 registered midwives based in gynaecological units in a public hospital in Tshwane District, South Africa. Open-ended questionnaires, field notes, and audio tape were used to collect data. Data analysis process involved grouping and categorization into themes and sub-themes.

Results:

This study showed that majority of midwives lacked scientific knowledge behind Pap smear test during pregnancy. Some of the participants could relate with the test and verbalized that there may be complications such as bleeding, which may lead to miscarriage. Conclusions: Findings showed that midwives were not performing Pap smear tests among pregnant women due lack of knowledge. This points out that Pap smear test is not prioritised as a secondary preventive tool at facility level. It is therefore recommended that refresher workshops be conducted at hospital level.

Fight against cancer in Portuguese-speaking African countries: echoes from the last cancer meetings

Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa include Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Principe. These countries belong to an interstate organization known as PALOP. In June 2018, PALOP organized a cancer meeting in Praia, Cape Verde, entitled ‘Quality in cancer care, optimization of cancer units, cancer education and training.’ This meeting was supported by faculty from the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) and was dedicated to the improvement of cancer care in PALOP countries. The burden of non-communicable diseases, which includes cancer, is increasing rapidly in these countries.. During this meeting, a plan was developed to guide the future strategic actions in this community. The main points of action include to increase access to cancer care, boost HPV and hepatitis B vaccination, improve access to cancer treatment, including radiotherapy and palliative care, amongst others. Efforts will be made to ensure the participation of all of these countries at PALOP meetings, including Equatorial Guinea, a potential new member.