By Dr Róisín McCarthy, Research Officer, National Screening Service
We’ve examined the findings of new research to understand knowledge of cervical screening and the human papillomavirus (HPV) by socio-economic group in Ireland. Research shows that women in lower socio-economic groups have a higher incidence rate of cervical cancer compared to those in higher socio-economic groups.
Over 1,000 women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 65 years took part in the online survey. Survey respondents were categorised into high socio-economic group (n=432) and low socio-economic group (n=597).
Knowledge of cervical screening
- Overall, survey participants in the high socio-economic group (42%) had a better understanding about cervical screening compared to those in the low socio-economic group (28%).
- 71% of those in the high socio-economic group said they attend cervical screening when invited. This compares to 66% of those in the low socio-economic group.
- Significantly more survey respondents in the high socio-economic group (70%) were aware of the change in CervicalCheck from cytology to HPV cervical screening, compared to 57% of those in the low socio-economic group.
Knowledge of HPV
- 75% of survey respondents in the high socio-economic group, and 70% of those in the low socio-economic group, knew that HPV causes cervical cancer.
- A higher proportion of survey respondents in the high socio-economic group (66%) believed that getting the HPV vaccine would reduce the risk of cervical cancer, compared to 50% of those in the low socio-economic group.
- 32% of those in the high socio-economic group knew that HPV could clear itself. This compares to 22% of those in the low socio-economic group.
Reasons for not attending cervical screening
Survey participants who have never attended cervical screening in the past were asked what were the main reasons why they did not attend for screening. The main reason cited by both groups was fear/anxiety around the screening process - 64% of those in the low socio-economic group, and 50% in the high socio-economic group.
Conclusion and next steps
Survey respondents in the low socio-economic group were less knowledgeable about cervical cancer screening and HPV and were more likely to feel fear/anxiety around the cervical screening process. We’ll continue to review and adapt how we communicate information about cervical screening to different groups within the eligible population. We’re providing more information about the role of HPV in cervical cancer, highlighting measures that can be taken to reduce cervical cancer risk including the benefits of the HPV vaccination to those eligible, and providing more information about the cervical screening process to reduce fear and anxiety and to encourage more people to choose screening.
- This research was presented by Dr Róisín McCarthy, Research Officer, National Screening Service at the EUROGIN conference in Stockholm on 13 March 2024.
- The research was carried out in June 2023 by Empathy Research on behalf of the National Screening Service.
- The sample was categorised into high and low socio-economic group based on the UK NRS Social Grades classification. Survey response data were analysed by Chi-squared test.
- HPV cervical screening can prevent and reduce the risk of cervical cancer developing. CervicalCheck is for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 65 who have no symptoms of cervical cancer. Check, update or join the cervical screening register.
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