Getting the timing right: Women’s views on the best time to announce changes to cancer screening policy recommendations

In December 2017, the Australian National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) changed from 2-yearly cervical cytology to 5-yearly primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, starting at age 25 and with an exit test when aged 70–74. Women showed limited awareness of these changes prior to their implementation. We explored women’s preferences for how similar cancer screening changes could be communicated to the public in the future, including when, how, and using what methods. Six focus groups including 49 women aged 18–74 were conducted in November 2017. Focus groups were guided by information available on the NCSP website and information developed by the researchers. Generally, women suggested that communication of changes to cancer screening programs would ideally occur between 6 and 12 months ahead of their implementation and that they would like the opportunity to be involved in consultation about the changes. The NCSP website was described as answering basic questions, but also raising further questions for which there were no answers provided. Most groups preferred information which included evidence behind the changes and wanted an option of more information. Similar suggestions were made across all focus groups about how communications could be delivered, with recognition that the mode of delivery should differ by age. Women were still seeking information about the test itself and a symptom list, in order to be aware of these over the five-year period. These findings make an important and timely contribution which could help inform other countries considering making changes to their cancer screening programs in the future.