Implementation of the cervical cancer prevention policy in one of the regions of Lithuania.

Abstract

Introduction: Although the Lithuanian government increases funding for the cervical cancer prevention program every year, the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer are among the highest in Europe. In order to improve the prevention policy regarding cervical cancer, it is necessary to investigate the implementation of the cervical cancer prevention policy in one of the regions in Lithuania.

Methods: A quantitative survey method using a questionnaire, was applied in one of the regions of Lithuania. The study was conducted in the period 1-18 April 2022. During the study, 213 residents of the investigating region were interviewed.

Results: Respondents evaluated the cervical cancer prevention program in the investigated region positively, but not all women received invitations to participate in this program. The research revealed that the residents of the city of investigation have received this invitation more often than the women living in other districts.

Conclusions: Women's opinion about the effectiveness of the cervical cancer prevention program is positive. Still, there is an emphasis on the wish that this program could be used from an the age of 25 years and continue to 59 years. The prevention program could be carried out more often than is currently established.