A Sustainable Model for Cervical Cancer Education, Screening and Treatment in Belize

It is a well know fact that Pap smear screening programs for early detection of cervical dysplasia/cervical cancer can decrease mortality from cervical cancer. Latin America and the Caribbean have some of the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in the world. This project aims to develop a sustainable model for cervical cancer education, screening and treatment in Belize thru utilizing multiple forms of client recruitment, health education, a systematic client and intake flow, cervical cancer screening and cytology, treatment and follow-up that has previously proven to be effective in two rural settings in Guatemala. Working with officials from the Belize Ministry of Health and the Belize Cancer Society, this model will be introduced into the public healthcare infrastructure via training and developing networks so as to provide low cost interpretation of Pap smears and follow-up evaluation and treatment of women found to have abnormal Pap smears. Participation and effectiveness of the Belize campaign will be monitored through a computer based tracking system, data collection process and follow-up site visits. In addition HPV genotyping will be introduced. The campaign took place during the second week of August, 2008 in Belize City. The results of the campaign showed that 648 women were screened of which 523 women were genotyped for HPV. There were 43 abnormal Pap smears detected which demonstrated a 6.64% abnormality rate. Based on the success of the campaign there are plans underway by the Belize MOH to use this same model in other parts of the country.