Questioning almost 9,000 participants across 12 countries in Latin America and Europe, the research revealed significant knowledge gaps surrounding human papillomavirus (HPV) and highlighted several significant barriers preventing women from screening for it.

HPV is responsible for around 99% of cervical cancer cases globally, with over 600,000 women being diagnosed annually. An average of 340,000 of women die from cervical cancer each year, with over 50% of new cases occurring in women who have never been screened or haven’t in the last five years. However, 93% of cervical cancers could be prevented through HPV vaccination.

Yet, the survey found that around half of the participants had limited knowledge about the link between HPV and cervical cancer, with a further third having no knowledge of it whatsoever.

The study also investigated reasons for a lack of HPV screenings, with concerns around the testing procedures – chief ly the pain and discomfort surrounding the procedure and the setting in which it was carried out – being leading reasons. The majority of participants, however, did suggest that the option to collect their own samples for screening would be of interest and would encourage screening rates to improve.

Commenting on the study, Joanna Sick ler, VP of Health Policy and External Affairs at Roche Diagnostics stated that “Thousands of women are needlessly dying from cervical cancer every year. This survey highlights some of the most important barriers to screening, as well as the opportunities we have to prevent disease and improve women's health… With many women reporting being open to new screening tools like self-collection, it has never been more important that communities, health systems, governments and innovators come together to seize this opportunity, and prov ide the early detection and treatment needed to avoid so many preventable deaths."

She added, “This survey highlights both the challenges ahead and the significant opportunities we have to advance HPV prevention. By enhancing public education about HPV risks and reimagining how we deliver care, we can drive higher screening rates and make meaningful progress in combatting cervical cancer."