Assessing cervical cancer screening awareness and community-identified barriers to prevention in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties, Illinois.

Abstract

e22509 Background: Cervical cancer is largely preventable through routine screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination; however, gaps in prevention and early detection persist in many U.S. communities despite national declines in incidence and mortality. Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties in Illinois have a higher cervical cancer incidence than the national average (11.6 vs 7.5 per 100,000 women), reflecting missed opportunities for risk reduction and early detection. This study assessed cervical cancer prevention behaviors, knowledge gaps, and community-identified barriers to care to inform targeted, community-engaged prevention strategies. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional community needs assessment among 180 adults recruited through healthcare facilities, community outreach programs, and digital platforms. Analyses were restricted to age-eligible participants for cervical cancer screening (ages 21–65; N = 163). Self-administered surveys assessed screening history, HPV vaccination status, knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and screening guidelines, perceived personal risk, access to screening and vaccination resources, barriers to care, and preferences for prevention education. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize prevention gaps and intervention opportunities. Results: Among age-eligible participants, only 52.8% reported receiving cervical cancer screening, while 37.4% reported never being screened; 11.7% of previously screened participants were overdue, with more than five years since their last screening. While 75% of participants were aware of cervical cancer screening tests and 67.8% were aware of the HPV vaccine, only 38.7% reported HPV vaccination, and 19.6% were unsure of their vaccination status. Knowledge gaps were evident, with 21.3% believing screening was only necessary if symptoms occurred and 31.7% unsure of recommended screening intervals. Risk perception was low, with 62.6% not believing they were at risk for cervical cancer and 23.9% unsure. Although most participants reported knowing where to obtain screening or vaccination, barriers to prevention included transportation (16.7%), cost (15.0%), lack of time (13.3%), and fear of results (10%). 71.7% endorsed the need for additional prevention education and preferred in-person community-based or healthcare provider–led formats. Conclusions: There are substantial gaps in screening uptake, HPV vaccination, and risk perception in this high-burden region. These findings highlight actionable opportunities for community-engaged, prevention-focused interventions aimed at improving early detection and reducing preventable cervical cancer risk. This research was made possible with funding provided by The Community Health Advocacy initiative through University of Illinois Chicago and OSF HealthCare.