Continuity of care for women with cytological changes in screening for cervical cancer in the public network of Campo Grande, MS

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common tumors worldwide. Objective: To analyze the continuity of care provided to women aged 25 to 64 with high-grade injuries (HSIL) or CC in screening exams carried out in the basic care network of Campo Grande, MS, between March 2017 and February 2018. Method: Case series study, carried out in two stages: in the first, secondary data from the Cancer Information System was used and, in the second, empirical data was collected through interviews with women identified in the first step. Descriptive analysis was carried out with frequency distributions. Results: 37 altered cytologies were identified, 36 with HSIL and one with CCU. Records of specialty consultations were identified for 14 women, of which 11 started treatments. In the second stage, 24 women were interviewed: 7 reported not being aware of the altered cytological result, 13 had been referred for treatment at the secondary level and 3 at the tertiary level. Among the interviewees, 21 had follow-up at basic care unity, but only two were counter-referred from more complex levels. Conclusion: It was not possible to prove the continuity of care for women with HSIL and CC based on information systems, indicating possible fragmentation of this line of care in the municipality studied.