Integrated Prevention Strategy

Women who have never participated in organised cervical cancer screening represent a priority for public health. Some have not received an invitation, while others have not attended their scheduled appointment. Reaching this population is particularly important given the role of early detection in preventing cervical cancer and reducing its incidence.

In Taranto, Italy, ASL Taranto, through its Department of Prevention and Corporate Screening Centre, is addressing this challenge with a public awareness campaign that promotes cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination as part of an integrated prevention strategy.

The campaign combines targeted communication with additional opportunities to access preventive services, aiming to increase screening participation and HPV vaccination uptake.

Making screening and HPV vaccination more accessible

To encourage participation, additional cervical cancer screening sessions have been scheduled at the main Community Health Centres (Consultori) in Taranto and the surrounding province.

The campaign also introduces the possibility of booking a screening test through a dedicated email address, providing an additional channel for accessing the programme.

Alongside screening activities, dedicated HPV Vaccination Open Days have been scheduled at the main vaccination centres across the area, offering free vaccination to women born between 1989 and 2001 who have not previously received the vaccine.

The campaign promotes an integrated approach to cervical cancer prevention, combining HPV vaccination as primary prevention with organised screening as secondary prevention. Vaccination helps prevent HPV infections, while screening enables the early identification of cervical abnormalities. Together, these interventions contribute to a comprehensive strategy for cervical cancer prevention.

Engaging local communities in prevention

Healthcare professionals, local institutions and community organisations play an important role in extending the campaign’s reach.

An information and awareness-raising letter, jointly signed by ASL Taranto’s General Director, Medical Director, Director of the Department of Prevention and Head of the Screening Centre, has been addressed to general practitioners, municipalities through local associations, community pharmacies and gynaecologists.

The aim is to raise awareness of available services, encourage screening participation and facilitate access to prevention opportunities.

Informative posters displayed in participating locations also help bring the campaign into everyday community settings, making screening and vaccination opportunities more visible.