Effective communications to support risk-adapted cervical screening in human papillomavirus-vaccinated women: lessons...

As decisions are made worldwide about the best way to adapt cervical screening to cohorts and individuals who have been offered human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, we consider the issues this raises for communication. This article reviews the relevant literature on knowledge and awareness of HPV, lessons we can learn from emerging evidence on attitudes to risk-adapted cancer screening, and what the psychological literature tells us about the complex relationships between risk perceptions and behavior. We highlight the need to ensure communication strategies do not create or widen social inequalities. We conclude that there is a strong need for public education about the relationship between HPV, vaccination, screening, and cancer outcomes, an imperative for timely and transparent communication about the rationale for any proposed changes, a need to involve health-care professionals in supporting women to understand the changes, and a strong case for ongoing research and evaluation as changes are implemented.