A quantitative study assessing the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs surrounding cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening in UK based females aged 18+

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a worldwide burden affecting women from all backgrounds; if detected early cervical cancer is highly preventable. The UK aims to eradicate cervical cancer by 2040 through Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations and the National Screening Programme, however screening rates in the UK have been declining for the past decade. The aim of this research was to investigate women's knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards cervical cancer and cervical screening in the UK. A questionnaire was used to examine women’s knowledge of cervical cancer towards and the willingness to access cervical screenings. The online surveys were circulated on the researcher’s personal social media. Additionally respondents were recruited through QR codes on leaflets which were distributed in a local charitable organisation and to university peers; the overall number of respondents was 184. Results from the study found that women have good knowledge regarding the risk factors for cervical cancer but showed a lack in knowledge around the curability of cervical cancer. It was also found that women have accurate levels of knowledge around risk factors for cervical cancer and this increased with educational levels. Recommendations are for further research to be conducted on women’s attitudes and beliefs of cervical screening to highlight potential barriers to the National Screening Programme. Also, recommendations around providing equal levels of knowledge across all platforms and levels of education would be beneficial.