Cervical screening: patients' negative attitudes and experiences.
BACKGROUND
This article explores the negative attitudes some women have towards the cervical screening programme. These attitudes could ultimately prevent them from participating in the programme. The negative experiences of women who receive a positive result are also explored.


CONCLUSIONS
Women's negative attitudes towards cervical screening can largely be countered by improving their understanding of the process and diagnosis of cervical cancer. Women who receive a positive smear should be offered support to reduce their anxiety.
Baileff
A
A
Havant Health Centre, Hampshire.
D001294:Attitude to Health; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D009341:Negativism; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*