Abstract
Brackground
Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm that affects thousands of women, and the Papanicolaou (Pap smear) test is considered the most effective prevention strategy. Objective: the purpose of this study is to understand the significance of the Pap test for a group of women undergoing cervical cancer prevention.
Method
A qualitative study of ethnographic approach was conducted with nine women at reproductive age from the neighborhood of Jardim Keralux, located in the eastern district of the city of Sao Paulo. The choice of this location was due to the fact that it is a neighborhood whose population is considered vulnerable for access to the cervical cancer prevention network. Data from the interviews were assessed by content analysis.
Results
The Papanicolaou test is permeated with meanings that range between the physical and moral planes of the lives of the women in this group. The Pap test makes disease visible in the female body, reinforcing belief in the possibilities of treatment and cure. It also enables visibility of an array of relationships in which women are involved, particularly regarding gender relations of the sociocultural context.
Conclusion
The Papanicolaou test becomes part of the health care of this group of women, reinforcing their beliefs in the prevention of cervical cancer.
Keywords:
cervical cancer; gender; Pap test; women’s health