Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, particularly in underserved populations. Despite the availability of effective screening methods, uptake remains suboptimal in many regions. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current evidence on barriers to cervical cancer screening across diverse populations and healthcare settings.A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published till June 2024. Studies examining barriers to cervical cancer screening in various populations were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyze and present the findings.Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a wide range of study designs and populations. Common barriers identified across studies included lack of knowledge and awareness, economic constraints, access issues, cultural and religious factors, fear and embarrassment, and distrust in healthcare systems. Population-specific barriers were observed among immigrant and ethnic minority women, individuals in low-and middle-income countries, indigenous women, and LGBQ women. Healthcare system factors, socioeconomic influences, psychological and individual factors, and interpersonal and community dynamics also played significant roles in screening participation. This review highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of barriers to cervical cancer screening. Findings suggest that interventions to improve screening rates should be comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and tailored to specific population needs. Addressing both individual-level and systemic barriers is crucial for enhancing cervical cancer screening uptake globally.