A Community-Based Approach to Cervical Cancer Prevention: Lessons Learned in Rural Guatemala

Background: One international and three local organizations developed the Santa Ana Women's Health Partnership (SAWHP) to address cervical cancer in Santa Ana Huista, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. This paper describes the structure, outcomes, and lessons learned from our community partnership and program. Methods: The community partnership developed a single-visit approach (SVA) program that guided medically underserved women through screening and treatment of cervical cancer. Lessons Learned: The program promoted acceptability of SVA among rural women by engaging local female leaders and improving access to screening services. The program's approach focused on maximizing access and generated interest beyond the coverage area. Distrust among the community partners and weak financial management contributed to the program's cessation after 4 years. Conclusions: The SAWHP design may guide future implementation of cervical cancer screening programs to reach medically underserved women. Open, ongoing dialogue among leaders in each partner institution is paramount to success.