Awareness of and attitudes towards cervical cancer prevention among migrant Eastern European women in England

Objectives

It has been hypothesised that the rise in incidence of cervical cancer in England and the fall in screening coverage might be attributable to the effect of migration of Eastern European (EE) born women. The attitudes and behaviours of migrant EE women in England towards cervical cancer prevention strategies are explored.

Methods

A mixed methods study using quantitative surveys and in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews was conducted between April 2015-December 2016.

Results

331 surveys and 46 interviews were completed. Native English women (nEN) had greater knowledge that a smear test is a screening test for pre-cancerous cervical cells (90%vs.71% p= <0.01), whereas migrant EE (nEE) women believed that it was conducted as part of a full gynaecological examination (46%vs.21% p= <0.01) and that the screen interval was annual (18%vs.4% p= <0.01). There was distrust of the English healthcare system resulting in a proportion of nEE women returning to their country of birth for screening. Poor awareness of cervical cancer prior to migration and lack information at the time of registration with the GP in England were associated with failure to participate with screening.

Conclusions

Targeted education at the point of contact with healthcare services in England is needed to increase participation with cervical screening in nEE women.