Perceptions of Pap Screening in a Context of HPV Vaccination

Cervical cancer is second most common cancer affecting women and the third most common cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide (1). Cervical cancer is caused by infection with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), of which there are over 120 types (2). It has been estimated that over 80% of sexually active females will be infected with HPV in their lifetimes, most in their mid to late teens, 20s, and early 30s (3). While infection is often harmless and clears spontaneously, persistent infection with high-risk types can lead to the development of cervical cancer (4).