Reference Manual - IARC Screening Group

Talking with Women About Cervical CancerFinally, providers should know and be able to use basic counselingtechniques. These techniques will help the provider establish arelationship with the client. If a woman believes in the competence andhonesty of the provider, she will be more likely to have the test and, ifnecessary, accept treatment and return for a followup visit. In addition,she will be more likely to refer others who need cancer testing.CLIENT RIGHTS 1Every woman being tested for precancerous lesions or treated forabnormal findings has a right to information about her condition.Information should be given to her (and her family, where appropriate) ina supportive, confidential and nonjudgmental manner, and it should dealwith:• the results of the test;• the time frame for treatment, if any;• procedure to be used, as well as the risks and benefits;• her consent to the treatment; and• the need for referral to another facility, if necessary.Every woman has the right to discuss her concerns and condition in anenvironment in which she feels confident. The patient should be assuredthat her conversation with the counselor or healthcare provider will beprivate and confidential.Women should know in advance the type of physical examination (e.g.,pelvic examination) or procedure (e.g., cryotherapy) that is going to beperformed.When a woman is undergoing a physical examination or procedure, itshould be carried out in an environment (e.g., examination or procedureroom) in which her right to privacy is respected. For example, whenreceiving counseling or undergoing a physical examination or procedure,she should be informed about the role of each person in the room (e.g.,healthcare providers, students, supervisors, instructors, researchers, andso on).Women should be made as comfortable as possible when receivingservices. To a certain extent, this is related to the adequacy of servicedelivery facilities (e.g., proper ventilation, lighting, seating and toiletfacilities). Moreover, the time she spends waiting to receive care shouldbe reasonable.1 Adapted from: Huezo and Carignan 1997.4-2 Cervical Cancer Prevention Guidelines for Low-Resource Settings