Barriers and factors associated with cervical cancer screening and early diagnosis in women from rural areas: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i3.1102Keywords:
Cancer, Disease detection, Health education, Preventive medicine, Rural womenAbstract
Cervical cancer represents a significant public health issue, despite the availability of effective prevention and early detection measures; however, women living in rural areas face challenges that limit their access to screening programs, thereby increasing the risk of late diagnosis and reducing the likelihood of timely treatment. Therefore, the objective was to identify, analyze, and synthesize available evidence regarding the barriers and factors associated with access to screening and early diagnosis of cervical cancer among women living in rural areas. A systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines; the search covered studies published between 2014 and 2025, and quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies related to access to screening and early diagnosis were selected. The findings revealed that the main barriers were a lack of knowledge about the disease, distance to health services, financial constraints, and fear of the diagnosis; cultural, educational, and institutional factors also played a role. Key factors facilitating participation included community health education, local availability of tests, support from community health workers, and the fact that the exams were free of charge. Rurality remains a determinant of health inequity; the identified barriers act in concert and increase the risk of late diagnosis. Community education, the strengthening of primary care, and the implementation of strategies tailored to local characteristics are fundamental actions for improving access to screening and promoting more timely care.
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