Frequency of Undergoing Mammogram and Pap Test Among Healthcare Providers in Hospitals of Hamadan

The Mammograms and Papanicolaou (Pap) test of women aged 25 to 64 years are Iran’s national strategy for breast and cervical cancer screening, respectively. Widespread primary care services are supplied through a network of primary health centers; nonetheless, little is known about breast and cervical cancer screening-related practices among healthcare workers in hospitals. The present study aimed to investigate the frequency of undergoing breast and cervical cancer screening among Iranian healthcare providers. In this cross-sectional study, 460 female healthcare providers from four public hospitals in Hamadan were recruited. Data were collected using a questionnaire, which included socio-demographic characteristics, family history of breast and cervical cancers, and history of undergoing mammography and Pap smear test. The rate of positive family history of breast cancer was 15.6%. The mean age at undergoing the first mammogram was 40.7 ± 3.9 years and the mean number of lifetime mammographies was 1.12 ± 0.33. From 460 women in this study, 42.6% had undergone mammography. Specialist physicians had undergone mammography more frequently than other healthcare providers had done. Only 72 participants (15.6%) had positive family history of breast cancer among which 15 (62.5 %) had undergone mammography. The frequency of undergoing mammography was significantly different among different healthcare providers (χ 2 = 12.16; P = 0.007) and positive family history of breast cancer were significant. A total of 268 cases out of 420 had the positive history of undergoing Pap test. The mean age at undergoing the first screening was 27.9 ± 4.6 years and the mean number of lifetime Pap test was 1.64 ± 0.92. Most of the midwives (88.1%) had undergone Pap test; the rate was 77.8% in specialist physicians, 61.8% in nurses, and 51.7% in general practitioner. Only 14 out of 420 respondents had positive family history of cervical cancer among which 13 (92.9%) had undergone Pap rest. The frequency of undergoing Pap test was significantly different among different healthcare providers (χ2 = 12.16, P = 0.007) and positive family history of cervical cancer among those older than 40 years (χ2 = 7.24, P = 0.02) were significant. Screening for gynecologic cancer is important in early diagnosis and women wellbeing. The acceptance of cancer screening test was low in most of the healthcare providers. The attitude and practice of healthcare provider can affect women’s acceptance of cancer screening test.