Communication in the prevention of cervix uteri cancer: the importance of historical cultural influences and of feminine sexuality in the adhesion to campaigns

Abstract

Cervix uteri cancer is still a public health problem in Brazil, but the governmental prevention programs that exist for this type of cancer have not reached the estimated index of covering. The number of people assisted in the campaigns has not reached one quarter of what was estimated in the first campaign and in the second one the number was even inferior. In light of this situation, this article has the objective of raising questions related to the non-adhesion of many women to the campaigns. In order to do that, the article emphasizes the epidemiologic relevance to approach the subject; the importance of the body for the woman; and the historical and cultural aspects that influence the preventive behavior of women. Therefore, a descriptive theoretical study was carried out, using as primary information source data from the Ministry of Health and from the National Institute of Cancer (INCA), and as supportive sources, books, scientific articles, journals and dissertations that worked with the proposed theme. In order to discuss strategic possibilities that can be effective to promote a higher adhesion of women to the preventive campaigns, the importance of the kind of approach of the health professionals was considered, pointing out that they should act in accordance with the cultural values presented by the women. Furthermore, the language used in the campaigns for the prevention of cervix uteri cancer was highlighted, as the transmitted concepts can endorse some cultural values related to approaching the women that make more difficult for many of them to identify and adhere to the campaigns.