OBSTACLES TO EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF CERVICAL CANCER AMONG INCARCERATED WOMEN IN BRAZIL

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.51572102614051

• Palavras-chave: Cervical cancer; HPV; Women in prison.

• Keywords: Cervical cancer; HPV; Women in prison.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: Cervical cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women in Brazil, despite being a preventable disease that can be detected early through cytopathological screening. Women in prison represent a particularly vulnerable group, as they face barriers to accessing health services and screening programs. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary etiological factor for the development of this neoplasm, underscoring the importance of prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and timely treatment within the prison system. Objective: To analyze access to cytopathological screening among incarcerated women in Brazil and to determine whether cervical cancer is being treated appropriately. Methods and materials: A narrative literature review, exploratory and descriptive in nature, with searches conducted in SciELO, PubMed, Google Scholar, and institutional databases, considering articles published between 2017 and 2025. Results: The analysis demonstrated that cervical cancer screening in prisons is compromised by a lack of infrastructure, scarcity of resources, and discontinuity of care, which reduces prevention and early diagnosis. Poor communication of results, the absence of adequate records in medical charts, and the lack of sex education exacerbate the vulnerability of these women and hinder clinical-epidemiological follow-up. Conclusion: It is concluded that the high incidence of cervical cancer among incarcerated women is related to low coverage of prevention, screening, and treatment in prisons, compounded by a lack of health education and adequate communication of results.