The Assessment of Knowledge About Cervical Cancer, HPV Vaccinations, and Screening Programs Among Women as an Element of Cervical Cancer Prevention in Poland

<b>Introduction</b>: Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed malignant tumor in women and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among this population. Since it is asymptomatic in its early stages, preventive screening plays a crucial role in rapid diagnosis. Such screenings are conducted in many countries worldwide, although their popularity varies. Given that nearly all cases of cervical cancer are linked to high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection, vaccination against this virus could lead to a significant reduction in cancer incidence. It should be noted that the level of vaccination coverage against hrHPV varies significantly between countries, ranging from a few percent to over 90%. Globally, the vaccination coverage of the target population is estimated at only a few percent. <b>Methods</b>: This study was conducted using a proprietary, anonymous online questionnaire comprising 24 questions addressing various aspects of cervical cancer prevention. The newly designed questionnaire comprised 19 primary questions and 5 metric questions. The collected data were subjected to descriptive and statistical analysis. <b>Results</b>: The majority of respondents reported regularly participating in cervical cytology screening and gynecological visits. Non-participation in these screenings was primarily reported by younger respondents, not all of whom had indications for undergoing such examinations. Only 14% of the women surveyed had been vaccinated against hrHPV. However, it should be noted that, as the surveyed women were not covered by the relatively recently introduced vaccination program, they received their vaccinations through local programs conducted by certain cities or through private healthcare services. The respondents' primary sources of information on cervical cancer are the internet and medical personnel. <b>Conclusions</b>: The level of knowledge among the women surveyed regarding cervical cancer prevention was satisfactory, though improvement is needed in some areas. Despite relatively good awareness of HPV's role in cervical cancer development, the popularity of HPV vaccination remains unsatisfactory. The results should be interpreted with caution due to the small study group.