PUBLIC POLICIES EFFECTIVENSS ON PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER IN PRIMARY CARE IN SALVADOR-BA

Abstract

Cancers of the cervix and of the breast cause high rates of morbidity and mortality among the female population. Prior infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been appointed as the main factor to trigger cervical cancer, associated with early sexual initiation, multiple sexual partners and sex with people who had previously had multiple sexual partners. The cervicovaginal cytology is an effective method of early detection and prevention, in addition to opportunistic screening for detection of breast cancer, both simple and economical. The Program for Integral Assistance to Women’s Health is a set of principles and guidelines to guide the female population above 10 years of age, including educational, preventive diagnostic, treatment and recovery measures and indications. The objective of this research was to identify the role of the nurse in the prevention of cervical and breast cancer, from the public health policies of Primary Care in the city of Salvador, state of Bahia,in 2012. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were recorded and transcribed, not interfering in the responses, which were in turn grouped according to the answers provided. It was found that the routine of nursing professionals should be more structured in order to meet all the needs of women’s health care. The difficulties and the lack of infrastructure, , may undermine the effectiveness of the service.