Human Papilloma Virus vaccine and cervical cancer screening acceptability among adults in Quebec, Canada

In 2006, 500 adults were invited to participate in a telephone survey in the region of Quebec City (urban and rural population, 600 000), Canada. Some neutral and standardized information on Pap test and HPV was provided before soliciting opinions.471 adults (18–69 year-olds) answered the questionnaire, the mean age was 45 years, 67% were female, and 65% had college or university degree. Eighty-six percent of women had undergone at least one Pap-test in their life, 55% in the last year, and 15% from 1 to 3 years ago. Among screened women, the test had been performed in the last three years in 100% of 18–30 year-olds, but only in 67% of 60–69 year-olds (P < 0.0001). Only 15% of respondents had heard of HPV. Eighty-seven percent agreed that HPV vaccines could prevent cervical cancer, 73% that the vaccine has to be administered before the onset of sexual activity, 89% would recommend vaccination to their daughters and nieces. Among respondents < 25 years, 91% would agree to receive the vaccine if it is publicly funded, but only 72% would agree to pay $100/dose.There is an important heterogeneity in cervical cancer screening frequency and coverage. Despite low awareness of HPV infection, the majority of respondents would recommend or are ready to receive the HPV vaccine, but the cost could prevent its acceptability.Genital Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). More than 50% of sexually active women have been infected with genital HPV at some time in their life [1-5]. Infection prevalence of up to 82% has been reported in adolescent and young adult women[4]. Approximately 15 virus genotypes cause virtually all cases of cervical cancer [6-8].Cervical cancer screening and treatment have been in place for more than four decades. There is now a new approach: vaccination against two of the most common disease-causing HPV genotypes. The HPV vaccines, if widely used, have the potential to prevent thousands of cases of cerv