Cervical Cancer: Turning The Tide – Recommendations to Improve Cervical Cancer Screening among Under-Screened Women
Seance of wednesday 15 april 2026 (Dépistage des cancers : quelles voies d'amélioration ?)
DOI number : 10.26299/2zr2-st83/emem.2026.16.03
Abstract
Eliminating cervical cancer is now within reach in high-income countries thanks to HPV vaccination and screening programmes. However, screening uptake remains insufficient—especially among under-screened women—hindering progress and widening inequalities. In France, screening coverage reached only 55.8% in 2023, far below typical targets of high-income countries (80-90%).
The ACCESS Consensus Group calls for ambitious national strategies, including clear targets, culturally adapted awareness campaigns, and improved access to screening services. Supporting healthcare professionals and patient organisations is also critical.
Regarding self-sampling, a cautious approach is recommended: while it can help reach parts of the under-screened population, it may be less reliable than clinician-collected tests and presents additional follow-up challenges.
Screening remains the most effective short-term intervention to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Policymakers should urgently act to address the low and declining screening participation rates.
The ACCESS Consensus Group calls for ambitious national strategies, including clear targets, culturally adapted awareness campaigns, and improved access to screening services. Supporting healthcare professionals and patient organisations is also critical.
Regarding self-sampling, a cautious approach is recommended: while it can help reach parts of the under-screened population, it may be less reliable than clinician-collected tests and presents additional follow-up challenges.
Screening remains the most effective short-term intervention to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Policymakers should urgently act to address the low and declining screening participation rates.