Addressing Stigma in Screening and Diagnostic Delay for Cervical Cancer

Addressing Stigma in Screening and Diagnostic Delay for Cervical Cancer

This study aims to 1) implement a culturally and contextually rooted innovative multifoci, social marketing intervention involving societal focused media campaign elements to break down the barriers and facilitate timely and appropriate screening practices for cervical cancer; 2) measure cervical cancer stigma from a culturally relevant theoretical and conceptual framework; and 3) assess the influence of stigma on hindering seeking the PAP test. Further, this is an international study that will bring together a multi-disciplinary investigatory team, community advocates and State health agencies to deliver a social marketing intervention in Southern California (the Inland Empire region specifically) and Trinidad and Tobago.

Inclusion Criteria:

Women will be included if they:

1. have not been diagnosed with any type of cancer
2. are between the ages of 18-70
3. self-identify as being African descended or Latina
4. are able to speak English and/or Spanish
5. acknowledge that a Pap test is currently needed

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cervical cancer is diagnosed only in women, therefore this study only includes women
2. Women who have been and/or are currently diagnosed with any type of cancer will be excluded
3. Women with other major medical conditions (e.g. stroke and degenerative illness) will be excluded
4. During the screening the level of symptomatology for depression and anxiety will be assessed. Women with severe depression and anxiety will be excluded, but appropriate psychological follow-up and referral will be provided
5. Women older than 70 years will be excluded