The role of the nurse in the cervical screening procedure in women of reproductive age

Abstract

In press

The implementation of systematic cervical screening programs significantly reduces the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer, which is proven by the experience of countries with developed screening systems. This short scientific report highlights the role of a nurse in the process of cervical screening in women of reproductive age as a key link in the system of early detection of cervical cancer. Attention is focused on the importance of nursing intervention not only at the stage of biomaterial collection, but also in the process of informing, counseling, psychological support of patients, keeping records and monitoring repeated screening. Modern approaches to screening are analyzed, in particular, Papanicolaou test, human papillomavirus testing, co-testing, as well as the organizational component of nursing work. It is emphasized that timely detection of precancerous conditions is possible provided that the nurse's work is professionally performed, quality standards are observed and the female population is regularly covered by preventive programs. Thus, nurses perform key functions in the implementation of cervical screening programs, providing organizational support, information and educational work with the population, direct screening procedures and further monitoring of patients. Expanding the powers of nurses and developing their competencies in the field of cervical screening allows solving the problem of staff shortage, increasing the availability of preventive services and ensuring timely detection of precancerous changes in the cervix. Improving the training of nurses and standardizing their activities in the field of cervical screening creates the basis for full use of the potential of paramedical personnel in the prevention of cervical cancer. The implementation of a structured approach to organizing the work of nurses during cervical screening will ensure an increase in the overall effectiveness of screening programs and an expansion of coverage of target population groups.

Keywords: prevention, cervical cancer, Papanicolaou test, human papillomavirus, women's health.