Examining the information needed for acceptance of deintensified screening programmes: qualitative focus groups about cervical screening in Australia

What is it about?

What is it about? The National Cervical Screening Program in Australia changed in 2017 to a five-yearly cervical screening test for women aged 25-74. The new cervical screening test now checks the cervix for the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. This is the virus which is responsible for almost all cervical cancers. Our research demonstrated key information important for women to understand and accept the program changes, and that women found reassuring about their particular concerns. Why is it important? It is important to speak with women about the changes to the cervical screening program, to understand what women find helpful and reassuring to know and understand reasons for the changes. The findings suggest that if information and the rationale for change is presented clearly women will likely accept de-intensified screening programs. This key information included 1) giving women information about how common HPV is and explaining that HPV can take up to 10 years to develop into cervical cancer; 2) showing women data on the numbers of cervical cancer and deaths from cervical cancer in women under 25 and; 3) giving women practical information about when they will be due their next test and what this means for them. This has implications for national programs worldwide and for screening programs broadly as well as for cervical screening in Australia.

Featured Image