THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTIVE EXAMINATION IN CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AT CASCAVEL, PR - AN ANALYSIS OF DATASUS FROM 2019 TO 2024

Abstract

Cervical cancer represents a significant public health challenge, primarily associated with persistent infection by high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The cytopathological exam, popularly known as the Pap smear, is the main tool for the early detection of precursor lesions. This quantitative, descriptive study analyzed the performance of this preventive exam in the municipality of Cascavel, Paraná, between 2019 and 2024, using data from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System to describe screening indicators. During the period, 109,290 exams were performed, with a significant drop in 2020 (10,554) due to the pandemic, followed by a progressive recovery from 2021 onwards, reaching a peak in 2023 (22,636). A direct correlation was observed between the expansion of coverage and the increase in lesion detection, reinforcing the importance of continuous adherence to screening. The results highlight the need to strengthen public policies that ensure broad exam coverage, with actions aimed at recovering women who have been lost to follow-up and preventing disease progression reinforcing the importance of continuous adherence to screening. The findings highlight the need to strengthen public policies that ensure broad screening coverage, with actions aimed at reaching women who have been lost to follow-up and preventing disease progression.