Introduction
Today, medical institutions have a well-developed set of guidelines designed by the governmental authorities (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2017). Following these aspects helps improve the quality of the provided services and contribute to the sufficient screening of various illnesses such as cancer. Nowadays, apart from the continuous development of medicine, cancer is still one of the problems, and this disease is associated with high mortality rates. Consequently, having a well-developed framework of recommendations improves the effectiveness of cancer screening while focusing on evidence-based preventive strategies (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2017). Consequently, in the context of this paper, it will be essential to review cervical cancer screening methodology and provide a rationale for applying each recommendation to a specific group of the population. With the help of this analysis, it will be possible to screen a patient for one of the cancer types and propose effective measures. In the end, the conclusions are drawn to summarize the main findings of the paper and underline the importance of following the described guidelines and recommendations.
Target population, cancer screening guidelines, and evidence
Describing the target population is one of the first steps. In this case, the selected screening aims at women at the age of 21-29 years old, who are HPV-negative. The diagnosed women are within this age group (25 years old). Based on the description of the selected population, the most appropriate prevention strategy is liquid-based cervical cytology (The National Guidelines ClearingHouse, 2012). Using the ThinPrep method will help clarify the results and conduct an accurate diagnosis (The National Guidelines ClearingHouse, 2012). This screening has to begin at the age of 21, as the evidence-based practice clearly shows that females from this age group start being vulnerable to this type of cancer. At the same time, apart from being vaccinated from HPV, women still have to undergo this procedure (The National Guidelines ClearingHouse, 2012). The primary reason for this aspect is the fact that there are other illnesses and conditions that provoke cancer apart from HPV.
Cancer screening guidelines and evidence
In turn, liquid-based cervical cytology screening has to take place every three years (The National Guidelines ClearingHouse, 2012). Taking advantage of these time intervals is logical, as it will assist in identifying the development of cancer at its initial stage. As it was mentioned earlier, this testing applies to women not greater than 29 years old, as, after that, additional screening procedures have to be added, and their frequency has to be changed (The National Guidelines ClearingHouse, 2012). These modifications are rational, as females at an older age are more vulnerable to cervical cancer due to changes in their organisms. Lastly, if the method shows positive results, the subsequent screening is recommended while being followed by appropriate procedures (The National Guidelines ClearingHouse, 2012). It could be said that following this set of measures is necessary, as, otherwise, it will be impossible to prevent cervical cancer at its initial stage.
Conclusion
Overall, it could be said that focusing on the characteristics of the target population is logical, as using a combination of these features helps diagnose cervical cancer at the beginning and propose effective treatments to stop its development. Describing all characteristics of women, the frequency of procedures, and appropriate methods provide nurses and physicians with sufficient diagnostic instruments, as they are constantly tested with the assistance of evidence-based practice. In the end, medical professionals have to follow the recommendations and guidelines mentioned above, as they will not only help prevent cancer at its initial stage but also increase awareness of women about the importance of screening.
References
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2017). Clinical guidelines and recommendations. Web.
The National Guidelines ClearingHouse. (2012). Cancer screening. Web.