Exploring women's perspectives on upcoming changes to Slovenia's National cervical cancer screening programme ZORA

Atanasova, Sara (author)

The purpose of this study was to explore how women in Slovenia perceive the proposed changes to the national cervical cancer screening programme ZORA at a time when the programme is preparing to transition from cytology-based screening (PAP test) to HPV-based testing as the primary screening method. The anticipated changes include the introduction of HPV testing, a possible extension of the screening interval from three to five years, a possible shift in the starting age for screening from 20 to 25 years, and the future introduction of self-sampling for HPV testing. Although these changes are aligned with international and European recommendations and are supported by scientific evidence, their successful implementation depends not only on clinical and organizational preparedness, but also on women’s understanding, trust, and acceptance of these changes. More specifically, the study sought to assess how women interpret these anticipated changes, what concerns and expectations they associate with them, and to what extent they would be willing to continue participating in the organized screening programme without shifting toward opportunistic screening. Particular attention was given to younger women and women with HPV vaccination experience, as these groups are especially relevant in the context of the proposed programme modifications. The study was also designed to generate evidence for the development of a comprehensive communication strategy for the ZORA programme, with the aim of supporting informed participation, maintaining trust in the programme, and facilitating the effective implementation of future changes.

• Language: English
• Keywords: cervical cancer, screening programme, ZORA, participation, preventive healthcare programme, women, focus groups, qualitative study
• Typology: 2.12 - Final Research Report
• Organization: FDV - Faculty of Social Sciences
• Place of publishing: Ljubljana
• Year: 2026
• Number of pages: 1 spletni vir (1 datoteka PDF (72 str.))
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-182361
• COBISS.SI-ID: 278291203
• Publication date in RUL: 15.05.2026

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: rak, preventivna medicina, ženske

Projects

• Funder: IARC/WHO - International Agency for Research on Cancer
• Project number: 2025-02-RFQ-CSU
• Name: Cancer Screening Awareness in Slovenia – Communication Strategy