Advancing Equity and Humanism in Cervical Cancer Prevention for Women Living with HIV: A UK Primary Care Initiative
Praveena MAHALINGAM
Cervical cancer is highly preventable, yet women living with HIV (WLWH) remain six times more likely to develop it than the general population (WHO, 2020). In the UK, NICE guidelines recommend annual cervical screening for WLWH aged 25–64, but adherence is inconsistent. Primary care, as the first point of patient contact, is ideally placed to uphold the principles of liberty, equity, fraternity, and humanism by ensuring inclusive, accessible, and patient-centred preventive care. This audit explores how a London general practice addressed disparities in cervical screening uptake among WLWH through system-level and educational interventionsTo assess adherence to annual cervical screening recommendations in WLWH, identify barriers to engagement, and evaluate interventions designed to promote equitable and humanistic care.A retrospective audit was conducted using the EMIS database to identify all WLWH aged 25–64 registered between 2020–2023 (n=38). Data were reviewed for coding accuracy, recall intervals, and reminder notifications. Interventions included tailored patient communication, staff training on HIV-specific screening guidance, and patient education regarding cancer risk and screening importance. Outcomes were measured through improvements in coding accuracy and screening uptake.84% of patients were coded correctly; however, only 40% underwent annual screening. Barriers included inconsistent recall intervals, variable reminder systems, and limited patient understanding. Following intervention, screening uptake improved by 30%, supported by improved staff confidence and clearer patient communication. These findings demonstrate that structured, human-centred approaches can significantly reduce inequities in preventive care.A systematic review found that WLWH face barriers such as fear of results, limited access, and system inefficiencies (Khalil et al., BMC Cancer, 2021). Women receiving tertiary HIV care without primary care input are less likely to be screened (Cohen et al., Indian J Cancer, 2021), highlighting the need for integrated models. Practices should update recall systems, train staff on annual screening criteria, send automated reminders, and offer consultations for non-engagement to enhance participation and trust.Embedding equity and humanism into primary care can transform cervical screening access for WLWH. By addressing systemic and interpersonal barriers through integrated care and tailored communication, primary care can lead the way in reducing cervical cancer disparities across Europe.
