Cervical cancer remains a significant health concern for women in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), ranking as the sixth most common cancer among them. Despite recommendations for regular screening to ensure early detection and intervention, participation rates vary widely across the region.
Key Determinants Influencing Screening Participation
A comprehensive study conducted in 2024 examined the various elements that either promote or hinder cervical cancer screening (CCS) among EMR women. Researchers meticulously reviewed 234 studies, ultimately focusing on 66 that provided relevant insights, with Iran and Jordan contributing the most data.
Complex Interplay of Social and Systemic Factors
The investigation categorized influencing factors into individual, social, and health system-related domains. Demographic characteristics, social structures, and personal beliefs emerged as significant predisposing factors. Additionally, enabling factors at personal, familial, and community levels, along with health policies and organizational aspects, played crucial roles in determining screening uptake.
Inferences from the study highlight:
- Awareness levels significantly impact women’s likelihood to undergo CCS.
- Stigmatization of cervical cancer remains a barrier to screening.
- Financial constraints limit access to screening services for many women.
- Health system infrastructure and policy support are essential for increasing screening rates.
Navigating the factors affecting CCS in the EMR reveals a multifaceted challenge. While some regions have robust policies supporting screening programs, persistent issues like limited awareness and financial barriers continue to impede widespread participation. Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions tailored to the unique cultural and socio-economic landscapes of each country within the region.
Programs aiming to boost CCS should prioritize education to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with cervical cancer. Additionally, enhancing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring affordable access to screening services are critical steps toward improving participation rates. Community engagement and support systems can also play pivotal roles in encouraging women to seek timely screening.
Empowering women with knowledge and resources, coupled with supportive health policies, can create a more conducive environment for cervical cancer prevention. Stakeholders must collaborate to implement comprehensive strategies that address both individual and systemic barriers, ultimately striving to lower cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

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