Epidemiological Methods

Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer can be screened using a cytology or Pap smear test screen. The test involves collecting cells from the cervix, specifically on the top of the vagina. The test is conducted every three years for women aged 21 to 65 (AHRQ, 2014). The screening tool collects cervical cells to assess any changes that might be caused by HPV that turn into cervical cancer if left untreated. The test can identify precancerous and cervical cancer cells. The Pap smear test also finds other conditions, such as inflammation and infection. The Pap smear test has been used for the targeted age group and has proved its effectiveness.

Pap smear test is not 100% accurate, and they can miss cervical cancer in a few cases. The nature of cervical cancer developing very slowly requires follow-up tests to detect any changes during treatment (NCI, 2022). However, the result of Pap smear tests are brief and come back as either negative or positive. Reports show that only one out of ten percent of all test results is false positives; hence, it is impossible to generalize the test as reliable. The test can be reliable after giving the same results after regular screenings. The test has a sensitivity of 0.87, ranging from 0.81 to 0.92 at 95% CI. The specificity of the Pap smear test is 1.00, and the 1.00 value of positively predictive (NCI, 2022). The negative predictive value of the Pap smear test for cervical cancer is 0.99. Therefore, a Pap smear can be relied upon to provide valid and accurate results.

Pap smear test has a low sensitivity of about 55% to 80% of cervical cancer on a single test. Te usual slow-developing capture of cancer causes low sensitivity. The high sensitivity of cervical cancer through a Pap smear can be achieved through regular testing. One factor that determines the test's accuracy is the collected specimen's adequacy for thorough testing. Sensitivity can also be improved through adequate training of technicians on techniques like cytobrush.

I can integrate Pap smear test in my advanced practice because it has proven its effectiveness in assessing cervical cancer. The test involves a detailed exercise where specimens are collected from the uterus's lower and narrow end. The test is brief and requires minimal resources which are readily available. Due to its reliability, the test can detect cancer early and gives more significant chances of treatment (NCI, 2022). The Pap smear can also detect any changes in the cervical cells to predict any chances of developing cancer in the future. The predictive value of the test enhances the early detection of the cancer cells and the beginning of treatment of the infection. The test is also practical since it can detect any change and thus can assess patients at high risk, especially those with HIV infection and weakened immune systems (NCI, 2022). The test positively impacts women in the targeted age bracket, thus reducing deaths related to cervical cancer. The test requires adequate technician training to produce valid and reliable results. The test also considers HPV, an infection closely related to almost every cervical cancer case. Screening women aged years between 21 and 65 every three years provides a reasonable balance between health-related harms and benefits. Therefore, I would integrate a Pap smear test for cervical cancer to detect the most cancerous cells in women.

References

National Cancer Institute (NCI) (2022). Cervical Cancer Screening: Health Professional Version Available: https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/hp/cervical-screening-pdq#:~:text=Studies%20that%20compare%20the%20Pap,is%2055%25%20to%2080%25.

AHRQ (2014) The Guide to Clinical Preventive Services Available: https://www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/clinicians-providers/guidelines-recommendations/guide/cpsguide.pdf