Cervical Cancer Screening for Women in Cincinnati Ohio

Introduction

Cervical Cancer is easy to prevent if regular checkups and screenings are done at an earlier stage Different screening tests are done to detect and prevent cervical cancer. The tests include human papillomavirus (HPV) test and Pap test. The Pap test is done to look for cells that have changed in the cervix and can cause cervical cancer if they are not treated properly. Cervical cancer deaths are frequently experienced in areas where cervical screening is not sufficiently done. It is recommended that women of age between 21 to 65 years are to visit the doctor for Pap test as directed by the doctor. According to Ohio department of health, 487 women in Ohio develop cervical cancer and 157 women die of the disease.

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Conceptual model

There are two models I will use in this initiative and they include the transtheoretical model and the theory of reasoned action

The transtheoretical model

The theory seeks to put together crucial constructs from different theories into one inclusive theory of change used in different settings. At the heart of this model, there are series of stages that show people move through different processes while modifying their behaviors. The processes include a balance of decisions, self-efficacy and the processes of change. The first stage is known as the precontemplation stage which involves individuals who do not plan to take any action in foreseeable future. The contemplation stage is the second and it involves people who plan to make a change in the next six month. Preparation is the third stage and it involves people who intend to take action immediately. These individuals have a plan of action like consulting a counselor immediately. The other stages that follow are the action and modification stages. (Transtheoretical Model, 2018)

The theory of reasoned action

This model focuses on an individual's plans to behave in a specific manner. For instance, a person who thinks of quitting smoking but he/she may not actually follow that plan of quitting smoking. In this example, an individual's attitude may be shaped by whether or not quitting smoking is beneficial to his/her health or whether his/ her new behavior will be beneficial to his/her health.

Screening purpose

The leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the US was found to be cervical cancer (American Cancer Society). Because of more and thorough screening done for this disease, the number of deaths from the condition has tremendously reduced over the past 40 years. It is also estimated that around 12900 cases of cervical cancer were identified in the US for the past one year, and approximately 4100 deaths occurred as a result of the disease meaning more needs to be done to combat these menace. I am appealing to the government to create more awareness in the importance of screening and what more can be done to curb the disease. Educating the public some causes of cervical cancer like avoiding smoking, using condoms during sexual intercourse, limiting the number of sexual partners an individual has and going for regular cervical cancer screening can help reduce the chances of acquiring the disease. (Cdc.gov, 2018)

Population

The population I will be screening is women of Cincinnati Ohio state. Ohio has a diverse population of whites, African Americans, and the Hispanics. African American and Hispanic women are more likely to get cervical cancer than whites. In Ohio, 66 percent of most women who developed cervical cancer between 2002 and 2006 were reported to be of age between 30 to 59 years old (OHIOANS, F., & Project, B. 2018).

Screening Activity

The screening activity I plan to perform is for cervical cancer screening. It is recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality that women of age from 21 years to 65 years should have proper cervical cancer screening. (Ahrq.gov, 2018) The federal government also allows the option of providing full coverage by Medicaid to certain women diagnosed with cervical cancer. The option of Medicaid is available to certain women who are diagnosed through the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).

Outcome goals

Bring awareness to the community of the risks associated with having multiple sex partners

Identify members of the population who fall in the cervical cancer category and those who are at risk for getting infected.

Provide healthy information that can prevent an individual from attracting the disease, for instance, using a condom during sex or totally avoiding smoking.

Location

The cervical cancer screening targets women specifically; therefore, the location of the exercise should be located where most women can be found. Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati Ohio is the place where the screening will be performed since the population of the park is very big and most adults are found there.

References

American Cancer Society | Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin. (2018). Cancer.org. Retrieved 12 April 2018, from https://www.cancer.org/

CDC - What Should I Know About Cervical Cancer Screening?. (2018). Cdc.gov. Retrieved 12 April 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm

Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2014 | Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality. (2018). Ahrq.gov. Retrieved 12 April 2018, from https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/clinicians-providers/guidelines-recommendations/guide/index.html

OHIOANS, F., & Project, B. (2018). Breast and Cervical Cancer Project . Medicaid.ohio.gov. Retrieved 12 April 2018, from http://www.medicaid.ohio.gov/FOROHIOANS/Programs/BreastandCervicalCancerProject.aspx

Transtheoretical Model (or Stages of Change) - Health Behavior Change. (2018). prochange.com. Retrieved 12 April 2018, from https://www.prochange.com/transtheoretical-model-of-behavior-change