Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): August 2026
Articles

The Role of Gynecology Nurses in Promoting Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness and Uptake in Pakistan: A Narrative Review

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  • Huma Afzal,
  • Hina Fatima,
  • Rana Aqeel Afzal
Huma Afzal
King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
Hina Fatima
King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
Rana Aqeel Afzal
Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70848/cnj.v3i2.126

Published 2026-08-07

Keywords

  • Cervical Cancer,
  • Cervical Cancer Screening,
  • Gynecology Nurses,
  • HPV,
  • Pap Smear

How to Cite

Afzal, H., Fatima, H., & Afzal, R. A. (2026). The Role of Gynecology Nurses in Promoting Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness and Uptake in Pakistan: A Narrative Review. Celebes Nursing Journal, 3(2), 421–435. https://doi.org/10.70848/cnj.v3i2.126

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer remains a major yet largely preventable health concern among women in Pakistan, where prevention is hindered by low awareness, sociocultural stigma, fear of gynecological examination, limited access to screening services, and a shortage of female healthcare providers. Objective: This narrative review synthesizes available evidence on cervical cancer screening awareness and uptake in Pakistan and explores how gynecology nurses can support prevention through education, counseling, community outreach, screening facilitation, referral guidance, and follow-up care. Methods: A structured narrative literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and relevant organizational reports, prioritizing literature published between 2015 and 2025. Following screening and eligibility assessment, 40 sources were included in the final narrative synthesis. Results: The reviewed evidence indicates that screening uptake in Pakistan is limited by inadequate knowledge, low perceived risk, embarrassment, stigma, cost, transportation difficulties, weak preventive health infrastructure, and the absence of organized screening pathways. Findings from Pakistan and comparable low-resource settings suggest that gynecology nurses are well positioned to improve screening awareness and access by providing culturally sensitive education, building trust, guiding women through available services, and supporting timely referral and follow-up. Conclusion: Strengthening the role of gynecology nurses through structured training, institutional protocols, and community-based outreach may improve cervical cancer screening awareness and support women’s access to preventive care in Pakistan.

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