Pap Smear Screening: Deterrents among the At-Risk Population in Trinidad

Cervical cancer is a condition that affects many women globally. The WHO recommends Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening, a method by which abnormal cervical cells can be detected and aid in preventing malignant progression. However, despite the availability of this test, uptake remains low among many Caribbean countries, including Trinidad. Objective: A literature review on cervical cancer screening and barriers to getting tested in Trinidad. Study Design: The study design chosen was a narrative literature review. This paper sought to assess available literature centered around reasons for lack of screening and how it may contribute to the current prevalence rates of cervical cancer. Methods: Data was obtained from online articles via Google Scholar, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus from 1987 to 2022. The focus was on publications detailing lifestyle and factors influencing Pap smear testing and follow-up. Results: Results showed that personal understanding, accessibility, physician perception, and socioeconomic disadvantages can deter pap smear screening. Conclusions: Addressing these issues and how they can influence screening uptake is key to increasing detection and decreasing cervical cancer death