Recorte temporal dos exames citopatológicos realizados no Estado da Paraíba.

Abstract

Introduction: The cytopathological examination is the main screening method for the early detection of cervical cancer, therefore, it is a preventive examination. Objective: To analyze the impact caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on the performance of cytopathological exams in the state of Paraíba. Methodology: This is an epidemiological, cross-sectional, retrospective study with a quantitative approach. It was carried out based on data collection in the IT Department of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS), more precisely in the TABNET tabulation tool, using data present in the Cancer Information System (SISCAN). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with proportion, mean and standard deviation. Results and Discussion: From the variables studied, it was identified that the Covid-19 pandemic directly affected the performance of cytopathological exams, when compared to the pre-pandemic period, and such exams gradually increased again as restrictions arising from the pandemic decreased. Final Considerations: In this way, it was possible to see that the pandemic had an impact on the reduction in the performance of cytopathological examinations in Paraíba, especially in 2020, in which measures were adopted to stop the spread of the disease. This impact may have prevented the detection of precursor lesions to cancer, which in the long term could trigger advanced-stage cervical cancer, complicating the treatment and prognosis of these women.