Ensuring access : a short communication on cervical cancer screening in women with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Cervical cancer represents a high burden in women’s health. Introduction of cervical cancer screening and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs are making a measurable impact to reduce cervical cancer prevalence and mortality in a number of countries. However, there are still discrepancies in service provision and uptake in different countries, with women with intellectual disabilities being at greater risk of being impacted. The aim of this literature review is to highlight the current state of cervical cancer screening, with a special focus on the barriers and enablers affecting women with intellectual disabilities. We found that there are multiple obstacles for the uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in general, but even more in women with intellectual disabilities. Barriers to cervical cancer screening can be due to geographical, psychosocial or economic reasons, together with poor understanding by the caregiver/s and/or the patient herself or misconceptions from healthcare professionals. Improved knowledge for caregivers, health care professionals and persons with intellectual disability will lead to better uptake of cervical cancer screening. In conclusion, the implementation of enablers in order to overcome the obstacles faced by women, especially those with intellectual disability, is a public health priority which has the potential to lead to less morbidity and mortality related to cervical cancer.