European Journal of Cancer Care

Patient acceptability of circulating tumour DNA testing in endometrial cancer follow‐up

Abstract Objective Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is emerging as a potential option to detect disease recurrence in many cancer types, however, ensuring patient acceptability of changing clinical practice and the introduction of new technology is paramount. Methods Patients enrolled in a non‐intervention cohort study determining the ability of ctDNA to detect recurrent endometrial cancer (EC) were invited to participate in a semi‐structured interview. Analysis was performed by Template Analysis. Results Eighteen patients were interviewed. A ctDNA blood test was viewed by participants as more physically and psychologically acceptable than clinical examination to monitor for EC recurrence. In particular, participants expressed overwhelming preference for a blood test rather than pelvic examination. Although participants acknowledged that an abnormal ctDNA result could cause anxiety, they expressed a preference to be informed of their results, even if a recurrence was too small to detect radiologically. Explanations for these opinions were a desire for certainty whether their cancer would recur or not, and knowledge would help them be more aware of symptoms that should be reported to their clinician. Conclusions ctDNA monitoring to identify EC recurrence appears to be acceptable to patients, and for many, it may be preferable to clinical examination.

Relationships among sexual function, marital intimacy, type D personality and quality of life in patients with ovarian cancer, with spouses

This study aimed to identify the relationships among sexual function, marital intimacy, type D personality and quality of life (QoL) in patients with ovarian cancer, with spouses. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and 104 patients were recruited using convenience sampling, from the inpatient and outpatient gynaecological clinics of two tertiary medical centres using structured questionnaires. Of the 104 participants, 31.7% were classified as having a type D personality. The type D group had lower marital intimacy, higher symptoms and lower QoL than the non-type D personality group. The results of a hierarchical regression analysis showed that monthly income, symptoms, marital intimacy and type D personality were independent factors that influenced QoL in patients with ovarian cancer, with spouses. Demographic characteristics, symptoms, marital intimacy and type D personality should be considered in patients with ovarian cancer, with spouses when evaluating QoL. Intervention strategies considering these characteristics could improve QoL for patients with ovarian cancer patient, with spouses.

Variation in ovarian cancer care in Australia: An analysis of patterns of care in diagnosis and initial treatment in New South Wales

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality of all gynaecological cancers. This study aimed to identify the extent to which women across New South Wales experienced variation in their care in diagnosis and initial treatment for ovarian cancer against the national optimal care pathway for ovarian cancer. Clinical audit methodology was utilised to explore variations for women with primary ovarian cancer; 171 eligible cases were identified through by the NSW Cancer Registry for the period of 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018. Limited variation was detected with 86% of women being reviewed by a specialist gynaecological oncology multidisciplinary team; 54% of women received their first treatment within 28 days of their first specialist appointment, 66% of women having their first surgery completed by a gynaecological oncologist and 45% of women received their first treatment in a specialist gynaecological oncology hospital. Deviation from effective ovarian cancer care is apparent particularly in the location and timeliness of first treatment, with implications for the quality of care received and care outcomes. Understanding factors that contribute to variation is critical to ensure optimal and appropriate ovarian cancer care and to tackle systemic barriers to the provision of effective care.

‘Sometimes I can't look in the mirror’: Recognising the importance of the sociocultural context in patient experiences of sexuality, relationships and body image after ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) can significantly change the way women feel about their body. However, personal accounts regarding these changes are lacking in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the ways in which OC can affect relationships, sexuality, womanhood and body image. Ninety-eight Australian women aged 18 and over diagnosed with OC completed an online survey that invited narrative responses to open-ended questions about relationships, sexuality, body image and womanhood following OC treatment. Responses were analysed thematically while applying a sociocultural lens. Three themes and two subthemes were identified: Failure and Loss of Femininity and Womanhood, Internalising Public Perception of Body and Illness and Altered Relationships which comprised two subthemes, Loss of the Sexual Self and Relationship Burden. These themes suggest women view themselves and their relationships in comparison with sociocultural understandings of body normalcy. Women often questioned their self-worth, their relationships and place within society due to changes in fertility, sexuality and bodily functioning. These results highlight a need for health care professionals to open dialogue with women about sexuality and ensure information and support is given to reduce stigma and positively influence self-perception and increase body acceptance.

“Awareness and knowledge of human papillomavirus in UK women aged 25 years and over: Results from a cross‐sectional internet‐based survey”: Lessons for HPV‐positive oropharyngeal cancer

Definitive chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer: A 11‐year population‐based study

To assess the recurrence pattern and survival in women treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer. A retrospective cohort study of women FIGO (2012) stage IB2 to IVA from the Grampian region of Scotland between February 2000 and March 2011. These women were followed up until April 2018. A total of 121 eligible women allocated with mean age at treatment 50.59 years (SD = 13.98, range 22-82). Tumours staged: IB2: n = 24 (19.8%), II: n = 45 (37.2%), III: n = 43 (35.5%) and IVA: n = 7 (5.8%). Two (1.7%) women had no available data. Fifty-five (45.5%) women had recurrence after treatment, and 51 (42.15%) women died from the disease. The sites of recurrence were as follows: central pelvic only (n = 4, 7.27%), pelvic and distant (n = 39, 70.91%) and distant only (n = 12, 21.82%) with median time from end of treatment to first recurrence 44 months (range 2-98), 26 months (range 1-146) and 22 months (range 3-66) respectively. 5-and 8-year overall survival was 76.0% (95% CI: 68.8%-84.0%) and 64.4% (95% CI: 56.4%-73.5%) respectively. Though overall survival is better than with radiotherapy alone, recurrence occurs up to 10 years after treatment. This raises the issues of how to reduce late recurrence and the appropriateness of current follow-up protocols.

The effect of web‐based education on Pap smear behaviours of teachers

Web-based education would be useful for gaining health-related behaviours. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of web-based education on Pap smear behaviours of teachers. The study was an experimental-control groups with a longitudinal type. The sample consisted of 1,290 teachers (experimental: 678, control: 612). The educational videos about cervical cancer and Pap smear test were sent to the experimental group via the web. Three months later, the teachers in both groups were contacted by telephone and asked whether they have a Pap smear test or not, reasons for not having it and test results. A qualitative interview was conducted with 20 teachers in the experimental group to evaluate the web-based education. At the beginning of the study, 25.9% of the teachers in both groups had a Pap smear test. After three months, having a Pap smear test was found to be statistically significantly higher in the experimental group (31.6%) than the control group (23.2%). According to the result of pathology, in the control group cervical cancer (n = 1), in the experimental group CIN1 (n = 1) and HPV53 (n = 1) were diagnosed. The web-based education was found to be effective in Pap smear behaviours of teachers.

Awareness and knowledge of human papilloma virus in UK women aged 25 years and over: Results from a cross‐sectional internet‐based survey

AbstractObjectiveThe expanding use of human papilloma virus (HPV) testing within cervical screening requires an evaluation of public understanding of HPV. This study aimed to explore HPV awareness and knowledge using a previously psychometrically validated measure in a sample of UK women aged 25 years and over.MethodsAn anonymous web‐based cross‐sectional survey design was used, and responses were recorded for 246 women (mean age = 37.59, SD = 9.20).ResultsFindings indicated limits to women's understanding of HPV, its transmission, treatment and link with cancer. The mean HPV knowledge score was 9.35 (4.43), and the mean HPV testing score was 3.34 (1.91). Multivariate analyses revealed that information seeking following cervical screening and being a student is associated with higher HPV knowledge and that having a positive HPV test result and having university education is associated with higher HPV testing knowledge.ConclusionsThese results highlight that there is a lack of knowledge and misunderstanding relating to HPV and its link with cancer in adult women in the UK. The findings suggest that public health HPV information campaigns are urgently needed, especially with a drop in UK cervical screening attendance rates, and with the upcoming change to HPV primary testing within the UK NHS cervical screening programme.

Knowledge, perception of HIV symptom severity and cervical cancer screening behaviour among women living with HIV in China

This study aimed to examine the previous uptake of cervical cancer screening and intention to be screened and its associated factors among women living with HIV in China. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 213 women living with HIV to collect information about cervical cancer screening behaviour, demographics, knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, and perception of HIV symptom severity. Seventy-eight women living with HIV (36.6%) had undergone cervical cancer screening, and 83 (61.5%) of the nonscreened women had the intention to be screened in the future. Using multivariate analysis, women who had more knowledge about cervical cancer screening (OR = 2.373, 95% CI = 1.593-3.534, p = 0.000) and had at least one nongynecological symptom (OR = 0.446, 95% CI = 0.204-0.978, p = 0.044) were more likely to have received screening previously. This study emphasised that knowledge, as a salient factor, was crucial to promoting cervical cancer screening behaviour among women living with HIV. Effective measures should be taken to promote the knowledge about cervical cancer prevention. A new healthcare model, including preventive healthcare in addition to HIV/AIDS care, may be needed to address the complex needs of women living with HIV in China.

Multistakeholder knowledge levels and perspectives of human papillomavirus and its vaccination: An exploratory qualitative study

This qualitative study was an integral part in the development of a multidisciplinary team-led school-based human papillomavirus vaccination health-promotion programme (MDL-SHPVP) aiming to increase HPV vaccine uptake in Hong Kong. Study findings will inform the design of the MDL-SHPVP by drawing on interview data regarding the expectations and needs of key stakeholders and potential programme users. Eight mother-daughter dyads, four secondary school teachers, two school principals, three social workers and one school nurse were interviewed. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Most participants had misconceptions about HPV and the vaccine. Alhough there was no immediate perceived need for the vaccination, most participants had favourable attitudes towards HPV inoculation and vaccines in general. Factors affecting vaccine uptake included perceptions about risk of infection, vaccine availability, and cost. Participants were largely open to suggested MDL-SHPVP components (videos, digital game, and group discussions). Findings have highlighted knowledge gaps among potential users and key stakeholders and will be used to inform the design of the MDL-SHPVP to ensure that their needs and expectations are addressed. Study findings may also aid future HPV vaccine promotion efforts and boost HPV vaccine uptake among youth in the city.

Cervical cancer incidence by ethnic group in Scotland from 2008 to 2017: A population‐based study

There is limited information on cervical cancer incidence among different ethnic groups. This study used a name classification system to describe recent patterns of cervical cancer by ethnic group in Scotland. Data on incident cases of cancer of the cervix and carcinoma in situ diagnosed in Scotland from 2008 to 2017 were extracted from the Scottish Cancer Registry. Onomap was applied to ascribe ethnicity to each patient. Ethnic groups were categorised as White, Black, South-Asian, Chinese and Other. Age-standardised rates (ASRs) were calculated for each year, as well as cumulatively for the 10-year time period. The Cumulative Age-standardised rate (CASR) of invasive cancer was 2.45 times higher in the White ethnic group (CASR 125.45 (95% CI 121.2-129.8) per 1,00,000) compared to the non-white ethnic groups combined (CASR 51.16 (95% CI 31.05-77.36) per 1,00,000). The highest age-specific rates within the White patients were in the 30-34 age group (18.34 per 1,00,000), whereas the highest age specific rates for the non-white patients were in the 60-64 age group (9.59 per 1,00,000). Ethnic minority populations in Scotland had lower incidence of cervical cancer compared to the White population between 2008 and 2017.

A qualitative exploration of physical and psychosocial well‐being in the short and long term after treatments for cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is predominantly a cancer of younger women, and improvements in oncological outcomes have led to an increase in cervical cancer survivors living with the long-term effects of treatment. Understanding the recovery process after treatment is essential to increase awareness of the short- and long-term needs of survivors. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the recovery process and return to daily activity of cervical cancers survivors from a biopsychosocial perspective. Participants were 21 women treated for cervical cancer between the ages of 18 and 60 years, living in the United Kingdom. Interviews were undertaken face to face and via the telephone using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data analysis revealed themes which represented participants' experience and perceptions of treatment as a paradox; emotional needs after treatment; and a journey of adversarial growth. A key finding from this analysis was the nuanced experiences between treatment modalities, with physical changes perceived to be more disruptive following radical treatments, whilst psychological repercussions were significant regardless of treatment type. This study provides novel insight into the varied recovery experiences of those treated with surgery and/or chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer, which can be used to improve the survivorship experience.

Influential barriers perceived by South Asians in Hong Kong to undergoing cervical cancer screening

To report the uptake rate of cervical cancer screening (the Papanicolaou [Pap] test) and identify the perceived barriers associated with screening uptake among South Asian women in Hong Kong. This cross-sectional study involved a structured survey of 776 South Asian women aged 21 and above, recruited from the community. The participants' demographic characteristics, Pap test uptake and responses to a validated 14-item scale of perceived barriers to screening was collected. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The Pap test uptake rate was 40.3%. Multivariate analysis identified two perceived barriers significantly associated with the participants' Pap test uptake: (1) not knowing where to have the test and (2) the belief that they did not need a test if they felt well. Although language problems and embarrassment are commonly reported barriers to screening by South Asians, the participants were more concerned about where to have the test and whether they needed it. Future interventions should thus focus on enhancing their access to the service and clarifying their understanding of the need.

The effect of education given to women with hearing impairments on the behaviours of Pap smear screening

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of education given to the women with hearing impairments on the behaviours of Pap smear test. This study was a controlled trial study with longitudinal design. The sample consisted of 156 women (intervention = 78, control = 78) who registered in hearing-impaired associations in Izmir, Turkey. The education about cervical cancer and Pap smear test was given to intervention group with face-to-face interviews by using Turkish sign language. Three months later, the women were contacted and asked whether they have had a Pap smear test, and the total knowledge score of intervention groups was evaluated. There was not a statistically significant difference between the mean total score of knowledge about cervical cancer and Pap smear test in intervention (0.6 ± 1.6) and control (1.1 ± 1.9) groups. After 3 months, having a Pap smear test was found to be statistically significantly higher between groups (intervention = 29.5%, control = %1.2), and the mean cervical cancer and Pap smear knowledge score of the intervention group (9.2 ± 1.4) was found to be statistically significantly higher than the score before education (0.6 ± 1.6). Education of cervical cancer and Pap smear test increased knowledge level and behaviour of Pap smear test of the women.

Socio‐economic and occupational outcomes of long‐term survivors of gynaecological cancer: A French population‐based study

To describe socio-economic and professional outcomes in long-term survivors of cervical, endometrial or ovarian cancer, including return to work and problems related to obtaining loans and insurance. Women with cervical, endometrial or ovarian cancers diagnosed from 2006 to 2013 were selected through the French gynaecological cancer registry of Côte d'Or, in a cross-sectional survey. Using a questionnaire established with the help of sociologists and psychologists, social and cancer-related work issues were collected among women aged less than 60 years at the time of cancer diagnosis. The socio-economic status was also assessed, at the time of the survey using the EPICES questionnaire. A total of 92 gynaecological cancer survivors (CS) participated in this survey. Gynaecological CS reported a decrease in income since cancer diagnosis, difficulties obtaining loans, and a decrease in ability to work, both in the short term after treatment and at the time of survey, on average 6 years after diagnosis. Fatigue, emotional and cognitive difficulties were the reasons cited to explain the decreased ability to work, both immediately after treatment and in the long term. Gynaecological CS experienced many problems, such as decreased work capacity, decreased income and difficulty obtaining loans.

The impact of socioeconomic deprivation on mortality in cervical cancer patients in Cornwall (England)

To assess the association between risk factors, including socioeconomic deprivation, and mortality, recurrence and chemo- or radiation toxicity in cervical cancer patients. Retrospective study of cervical cancer patients diagnosed between January 2007 and July 2018. Patient characteristics and mortality data, including recurrence, were assessed, together with socioeconomic deprivation measures evaluated using the English Indices of Multiple Deprivation. Markov multi-state models were used to model mortality and recurrence, and logistic regression models were used to model chemo- or radiation toxicity. Included were 243 women with a median age of 49 years. A total of 57 patients died (23%), of which 41 due to cervical cancer, and 21 (9%) had recurrent disease. Hazard ratios (HR) showed no evidence of association between socioeconomic deprivation and cancer-specific hazard of mortality from diagnosis or recurrence, hazard of mortality due to other causes or hazard of cancer recurrence. Furthermore, there was no evidence of association between socioeconomic deprivation and chemo- or radiation toxicity (bowel, bladder or vaginal stenosis). No associations were found between socioeconomic deprivation and cancer mortality or recurrence in cervical cancer patients in the population of Cornwall. In addition, no association was found between socioeconomic deprivation and chemo- or radiation toxicity.

Predictors of depressive symptoms before and after diagnostic procedures in women with abnormal Pap smear attending cervical cancer screening programme in Serbia

Receipt of a positive Papanicolaou screening result and subsequent referral for diagnostic tests can cause psychological stress. Still, not enough is known about depression before and after the diagnostic test in these women. The aim of this study was to determine the burden and predictors of depressive symptoms prior to and after diagnostic investigations in women who had received a positive Papanicolaou screening result. This was a cross-sectional study. Study cohort comprised women who received an abnormal Papanicolaou screening result. Women completed the socio-demographic questionnaire and 'The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression, CES-D' questionnaire before and after diagnostic tests (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage) to assess factors related to depression. No significant difference was noted in the frequency of depressive symptoms (CES-D score ≥ 16) before and after diagnostic investigations, but the mean score on CES-D scale showed a significant difference before and after diagnostic investigations (13.98 ± 9.56 and 12.74 ± 9.15, respectively). A significant predictor of depression before diagnostic investigations was spontaneous abortion, whereas family history of other gynaecological cancers was a predictor of depression after diagnostic investigations. Our findings could contribute to improving the rates of cervical cancer screening, by identifying women at risk for depression before and after investigations.

Chinese Lynch syndrome‐associated colorectal cancer patients' self‐concept and adherence to surveillance

To describe Chinese Lynch syndrome-associated colorectal cancer patients' self-concept and adherence to surveillance and explore the factors influencing patients' adherence to surveillance. This was a cross-sectional quantitative study of a group of 83 Lynch syndrome-associated colorectal cancer patients, using the Lynch syndrome self-concept scale and medical records. IBM SPSS 20.0 was used for statistical analysis. Patients' adherence to surveillance, for colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and small intestinal cancer, endometrial and ovarian cancer, they were 93.2%, 41.8% and 56.7% respectively. Older patients had lower surveillance adherence of colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and small intestinal cancer than younger patients (p < 0.05). Occupation was the major factor influencing their surveillance adherence of endometrial and ovarian cancer (p < 0.05). The score for Lynch syndrome self-concept was 72.23 ± 25.65. The surveillance adherence of patients is high for colorectal cancer but low for extracolorectal cancers. Low surveillance adherence is associated with old age, living with family members and less secure employment. Chinese patients' self-concept scores were slightly higher than foreign patients. Nurses should pay more attention to the surveillance adherence and self-concept of Lynch syndrome-associated colorectal cancer patients and develop effective interventions to improve their surveillance adherence.

Awareness and perceptions related to COVID‐19 among cancer patients: A survey in oncology department

Today, COVID-19 pandemic is still the most critical problem in the global health agenda. Since the awareness of the public in general and particularly awareness of those with comorbidities, such as cancer, determine the rate of mortality, the primary goal of this study was to assess the knowledge, perceptions and attitude of the patients with cancer towards the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objective of this study was also to measure the effect of COVID-19 on cancer patients' ongoing treatments. This study recruited 300 oncology patients through an outpatient community-based oncology clinic in one of the 30 major cities of Turkey, which had taken a lockdown at weekends during April 2020. A questionnaire measuring the knowledge, attitudes and preventive behaviour was completed by each patient either face-to-face or through telephone survey. In general, participants had a positive attitude towards protective measures. No delay for current cancer treatments or appointments has been observed in 98% of patients. More than half of the patients(52.3%) were using some kind of nutritional supplement to increase their body resistance. Nearly two-third of patients could not identify the three most common symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, dyspnoea), and half of them were not aware of the routes of transmission (by contact and droplets). It was observed that patients with stage 1 cancer were tend to stay at home, while patients with stage 4 cancer were prone to leave their houses for the hospital at a higher ratio. The rate of people leaving houses was significantly higher for male patients and for patients with a university degree, whereas patients who were older than 65 were tend to go only to the hospital when they leave their houses. This study suggests that routine follow-up and guidance for cancer patients seems to provide significant benefit to increase the knowledge and awareness of patients with cancer.

Impact of multidisciplinary tumour board in the management of ovarian carcinoma in the first‐line setting. Exhaustive analysis from the Rhone‐Alpes region

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a poor prognosis disease partly linked to diagnosis at an advanced stage. The quality of care management is a factor that needs to be explored, more specifically optimal organisation of first-line treatment. A retrospective study, dealing with all patients diagnosed within the Rhone-Alpes region with initial diagnosis EOC in 2012, was performed. The aim was to describe the impact of multidisciplinary tumour boards (MTB) in the organisation of care and the consequence on the patient's outcomes. 271 EOC were analysed. 206 patients had an advanced EOC. Median progression-free survival (PFS) is 17.8 months (CI95%, 14.6-21.2) for AOC. 157 patients (57.9%) had a front-line surgery versus 114 patients (42.1%) interval debulking surgery. PFS for AOC patients with no residual disease is 24.3 months compared with 15.3 months for patients with residual disease (p = .01). No macroscopic residual disease is more frequent in the patients discussed before surgery in MTB compared with patients not submitted before surgery (73% vs. 56.2%, p < .001). These results highlight the heterogeneity of medical practices in terms of front-line surgery versus interval surgery, in the administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and in the setting of MTB discussion.

‘We do need to keep some human touch’ — Patient and clinician experiences of ovarian cancer follow‐up and the potential for an electronic patient‐reported outcome pathway: A qualitative interview study

This study aimed to explore experiences of follow-up after treatment and views on an electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) pathway among ovarian cancer patients and clinicians. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with clinicians and patients previously treated for ovarian cancer. Interviews explored experiences of the current follow-up pathway, patients' needs and views on an ePRO pathway enabling patients to report symptoms online rather than attend clinic-based appointments. Transcripts were analysed using framework analysis. Sixteen patients and 10 clinicians participated from four hospitals in England. Four key themes were identified: transition into follow-up, key features of effective follow-up, issues in follow-up and views of ePRO. Both patients and clinicians saw benefits of an ePRO pathway alongside continued access to specialist support and discussed various practicalities (e.g., frequency, introduction and communication). Technology concerns and feelings of abandonment were highlighted as barriers. The proposed impact on clinical and individual patient outcomes was discussed. Patient and clinician views on follow-up and an ePRO pathway informed key recommendations on the development/introduction of ePRO follow-up. Technology use in healthcare will continue to grow and may offer solutions to facilitate responsive and tailored care. Further research should explore the safety, experiences and acceptability of ePRO follow-up.

“We don’t have up to date knowledge about the disease” Practical challenges encountered in delivery of cervical cancer screening in Iraq

This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experience of medical doctors in delivering cervical cancer screening in a city in Iraq. An applied grounded theory approach explored the reported experiences of doctors in the field. A purposive sample of 12 gynaecologists and one general practitioner (GP) working in two main hospitals participated: Semi-structured interviews took place from June to September 2015. Thematic coding of data was peer reviewed and included participant reading of transcripts and translations from Arabic to English. Theory generation involved synthesis of a prior literature review and interview findings. Gynaecologist and GP experiences showed overwhelming gaps in cervical cancer experience and screening. Iraqi women mainly presented for help with late-stage cancer. Practical barriers included cultural stigma, low priority for women's health needs, lack of knowledgeable leadership and perceived shortage of adequately trained staff. There is an urgent need for culturally appropriate cervical cancer prevention policies and strategies in Iraq, focused on evidence-based population-based cervical screening to identify and prevent advanced cervical cancer among women. Regional educational initiatives should be encouraged and primary healthcare systems supported to undertake screening.

A qualitative exploration of women's perspectives and acceptability of including new cancer awareness information in all‐clear breast or cervical screening results

This study explored women's perspectives on the acceptability of including new cancer information with an all-clear breast or cervical screening result letter (using ovarian cancer as a case study). In 2016, six focus group discussions were conducted with women aged 25-70 years old, eligible for invitation to the NHS breast or cervical screening programme and resident in England. The focus groups lasted 60-90 min and were held in community venues. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Thirty-eight women aged 25-67 years old participated in the focus groups. Data analysis yielded six descriptive themes: general cancer awareness, taking advantage of a 'teachable moment', a double-edge sword, barriers to accepting and using new cancer information, motivators for accepting and using new cancer information and wider strategies to increase cancer awareness in women. Women welcomed the inclusion of new cancer information in all-clear screening results but highlighted pertinent lessons to be considered to maximise the usefulness of the approach. While women perceived this approach as acceptable, it is pertinent to note the potential of the new cancer information to stimulate anxiety and potentially widen inequalities by excluding non-attenders at screening programmes. Specific complementary and tailored approaches are necessary to mitigate these limitations.

“A lot can happen in five years”: Women's attitudes to extending cervical screening intervals

Evidence suggests that cervical screening intervals can be extended and lifetime cervical screening for human papillomavirus (HPV)-vaccinated women could be reduced. This study examines UK women's attitudes to extending screening intervals and assesses associations between knowledge, risk perception and HPV vaccination status, and acceptability of changes. Using a convenience sampling strategy, an anonymous mixed-methods online survey was used and data recorded from 647 women (mean age = 28.63, SD = 8.69). Across the full sample, 46.1% of women indicated they would wait 5 years for their next cervical screening, while 60.2% of HPV-vaccinated women would be unwilling to have as few as three cervical screens in a lifetime. Multivariate analysis revealed those who are regular screened, those who intend to attend when invited, and those who perceive greater personal risk of cervical cancer are less likely to accept a 5-year screening interval. Qualitative findings relating to benefits of extending intervals included convenience of less tests, less physical discomfort, and psychological distress. Concerns identified included the likelihood of developing illness, increased psychological distress relating to what may be happening in the body, and worries about increased risk of cervical cancer. Women need clear and specific information about HPV timelines, their relationship with cancer risk, and the rationale for extending screening intervals.

Acceptability of and barriers to human papillomavirus vaccination in China: A systematic review of the Chinese and English scientific literature

Widespread adoption of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine will require population acceptance and tailoring of immunisation services to community needs and preferences. We examined peer-reviewed publications on the acceptability of and barriers to the HPV vaccine across China. We searched English (MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science) and Chinese (CNKI, VIP, Wanfang data) databases between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2017. We adopted a narrative approach for data synthesis. We identified 73 studies. The overall median acceptability of HPV vaccine was 71.8% (Q1-Q3: 58.6%-81%). Low levels of acceptability (90%) and urban eastern regions (all <35%). Despite these regional variations, common barriers to HPV vaccine acceptance were concerns about vaccine safety, uncertainty over vaccine effectiveness, low perceived risk of cervical cancer and the price of the vaccine. The level of willingness to pay for the HPV vaccine (over 153 US dollars) was very low (<7%). The acceptability of and attitudes towards HPV vaccine vary by regions and populations across China. HPV vaccination programmes will need to tailor service delivery as well as information materials to take account of regional concerns.