Introduction:

Information on cancer in Colombian indigenous populations is scarce, the objective of this study was to know the community and health care providers' perspectives on cervical cancer (CaCU) in indigenous women of the Colombian Amazon.

Materials and methods:

Qualitative study, derived from a mixed methods research of convergent triangulation, 40 semi-structured interviews were conducted, including health professionals and key community actors represented by curacas, traditional doctors or shamans, midwives, health promoters, public health assistants, leaders, grandfathers, grandmothers, and indigenous women in general. The content analysis technique was used for the analysis.

Results:

Four categories emerged: (a) conceptions and risk factors surrounding cancer in general and CaCU; (b) western and ancestral care and attention practices for CaCU; (c) sociocultural and health system difficulties for the prevention and attention of CaCU, and (d) recommendations for strengthening CaCU prevention.

Conclusion:

Participants recognize cervical cytology as a way to prevent cancer and although participants mentioned some cultural and personal aspects that could constitute a barrier to cervical cancer prevention and control, the greatest emphasis was given to structural problems of the health system, lack of cultural integration and difficulties of access to screening, diagnosis and treatment.

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