Learning Objective #1: describe the role that the nurse practitioners have taken to detect early cervical cancer in the underserved population

Learning Objective #2: understand the implications of the role of the nurse practitioners in the early detection of cervical cancer in the underserved population

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Purpose: Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in women in the world. It is a major health problem in developing countries and especially in the underserved population here in the United States. Socio-economic status, language barriers, and lack of access to health care can have a great impact on the early detection and treatment of this potentially curable disease in the underserved population. Summary. A program was developed in which NPs rotate to different sites, where patients in the underserved population would likely seek health care. In 6 months, the NPs have evaluated 811 patients at the above 3 sites. A total of 497 pap smears were performed, 40% of which had abnormal results. A total of 233 colposcopically directed biopsies were performed for abnormal pap smears and abnormal lesions, 67% of these biopsies had abnormal results. Seven cervical cancers were detected. Most patients diagnosed with high-grade dysplasia were treated onsite by the NPs with loop electro-surgical excision procedure. A follow-up schedule was implemented for the patients. The 7 cancer cases were referred to the gynecologic oncologist for treatment and follow-up. Patients were educated on health promotion, health-risk reduction, cancer prevention, and early-detection methods. Implication for the Nurse Practitioners: NPs can effectively work to educate and treat patients in the underserved population who are at risk for many potentially curable diseases such as cervical cancer. Although more research and innovative methods are still needed for a greater impact on this population, it is clear that NPs can play a major role in their health care.