Abstract

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) across the world. In the United States, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends girls and boys as young as 9 years of age get the HPV vaccine to prevent contracting this infection later in life. Some strains of HPV have been linked to cervical cancer, which is why vaccination is crucial among adolescents. Pap smear testing is the primary diagnostic test for cervical cancer; however, its reliability is questionable due to the high incidence of benign abnormal results. Abnormal pap smear results may not necessarily indicate HPV or cervical cancer and further blood testing is required to obtain a definitive diagnosis. This led to the research question: In women of childbearing age, is HPV blood testing or a pap smear more accurate in diagnosing cervical cancer?

This research paper explores the efficacy of HPV testing compared to the traditional Pap smear for accurate cervical cancer diagnoses in women of childbearing age. The literature review emphasizes the prevalence of HPV as a leading cause of cervical cancer and discusses the limitations and variables associated with Pap smear testing. It also highlights the potential benefits of HPV testing, including higher sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and the possibility of self-testing, which could improve screening coverage. Education deficits among women and families about HPV and the cancer screening process, as well as emphasizing the nurse’s role in patient education to close these gaps is also highlighted. The review of evidence from various studies supports the research question, stating that while Pap smears have higher specificity for detecting lesions, HPV serum testing offers greater sensitivity and cost-effectiveness. A solution to enhancing the efficacy and reliability of both HPV and cancer screening would be a triage system using HPV testing as the primary screening method, followed by pap testing when necessary.