Hosne Ara ‘s cervical
cancer screening story
FACILITATOR’S GUIDE
YOU WILL NEED:
• A presentation about cervical cancer screening (Pap tests)
• Laptop, projector and speakers
• A copy of the video subtitles
Duration:
30 minutes
Summary of story:
Hosne Ara’s doctor suggested that she have a Pap test. She was not familiar with Pap tests but understood the simple test
could save her life. The test went well. She did not experience any pain and felt relieved that there were no signs of cancer.
Hosne Ara encourages her neighbours and friends to learn about Pap tests.
Words and terms that may not be familiar:
• Pap test – consider whether you need to ask if participants are familiar with Pap tests.
Working with an interpreter:
• Talk with the interpreter ahead of time to review what will happen
• Make sure the interpreter is familiar with and comfortable with the concepts and vocabulary you are using
(e.g., cervical, Pap tests, speculum, HPV)
• Remember to pause for interpretation
Suggested process:
1. Introduce yourself and the reason for talking to the participants about cervical cancer and Pap tests. Ask participants to
introduce themselves and say why they decided to come to this discussion.
2. Explain that they are going to watch a woman from Bangladesh speak about why she decided to have a Pap test. Then
lead a discussion about her story.
3. Show the video. Watch the participants to see if they are following the subtitles. You may wish to show it a second time
or have copies of the subtitles available.
4. Make sure the participants understand the story by asking them to explain it. After a few comments, reinforce the story
by retelling it in your own words.
Discussion:
These topics are based on Hosne Ara’s comments. Choose a discussion theme and questions. You are not expected to cover
all of the topics in 30 minutes.
a. Understanding Pap tests
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Hosne Ara did not know about Pap tests. When did you first learn about Pap tests?
What worries or misunderstandings did you have about Pap tests?
How would you describe a Pap test to a friend or family member?
What does a Pap test look for?
How often should women go for a Pap test?
When should you start having a Pap test? How often?
b. Having a female doctor or nurse perform your Pap test
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Is having a female perform a Pap test important to you?
Can someone request a female doctor or nurse to perform the test? What would you say?
Would you bring a friend with you?
If you do not have a healthcare provider, where can you get a Pap test?
See “Where do I go for a Pap test”
c. Pain or discomfort during a Pap test
• Hosne Ara did not have any pain. Do you have friends who had pain during a Pap test?
• What other kinds of medical procedures are uncomfortable (e.g., dentist, urine sample)
• Hosne Ara said the doctor used modern instruments. What are those instruments?
d. Feeling relieved to learn that the Pap test is normal
• After Hosne Ara got her results, she said she had nothing to worry about for the next three years. How would you
feel while you waited for your results?
• How do you control your worries?
• What if a woman has an abnormal Pap test result? What does that mean?
e. Encouraging friends and family to have a Pap test
• How do families or friends sometimes respond when they hear that someone is having a Pap test?
• How would you encourage your friends and family to go for a Pap test?
Additional resources:
Feel free to share the “Cervical Cancer Screening – find out when it’s the right time for you to start screening” handout with
participants. This document is available for downloading in 26 languages.