Conditioning factors in the late diagnosis of cervical cancer from the perspective of women treated at Inca

This study identifies the contribution of some factors for the late diagnosis of cervical cancer among women treated at the National Cancer Institute in Rio de Janeiro. The categories considered in analyzing the information were 'accessibility' and patient-doctor 'relationship', based on the premise of the importance of comprehensiveness as a guiding principle in health care. A qualitative approach was adopted involving the methods of direct observation and semi-structured interviews. The results suggest that the women's ideas and views regarding the disease and the health care, and their bond with the health care professionals are interrelated and condition access to the services.

Health evaluation; Uterine cervical neoplasms, Late diagnosis; Health services accessibility