January 12, 2024- BD announced the results of a Harris Poll survey of women in the U.S., U.K. and Sweden, which shines a spotlight on the differences in access to cervical cancer screening and prevention.
According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer kills more than 340,000 women globally, every year. It is the fourth most frequent cancer in women, yet it could be virtually eliminated through a comprehensive approach that includes prevention and screening. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of virtually all cervical precancer and cancer.
Most women in these countries have delayed a gynecology visit (67% U.S., 62% Sweden, 59% U.K.), primarily due to discomfort with pelvic exams (28% U.S., 38% Sweden) or embarrassment (33% U.K.).
The results showed that most women consider cervical cancer screening a critical part of their health management (86% Sweden, 81% U.K., 76% U.S.). However, many women find the guidance on cervical cancer screening confusing (59% Sweden, 57% U.S., 55% U.K.) and do not understand the difference between a Pap test and an HPV test, despite the fact that HPV is the cause of virtually all cervical cancers. This survey shows that patient education is critical in the fight against cervical cancer.