Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: H007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.H007
Published online: 22 April 2026
Women’s health prevention: building awareness around screening practices
Wiktoria Gwarda* and Monika Cendrowska-Pinkosz
Student Scientific Society at the Department of Normal, Clinical and Imaging Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 4, 20-400 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: wiktoria.gwarda@wp.pl
Cervical, breast, and ovarian cancers represent a significant public health challenge worldwide. Preventive screening methods, such as cervical cytology and mammography, have been proven to reduce mortality through early detection. Although awareness is increasing, deficiencies in knowledge remain, underscoring the need for targeted education. The study aimed to assess women’s awareness of gynecological screening examinations and to identify barriers to participation in prevention programmes, with the objective of informing targeted health education strategies. The study was conducted using an anonymous survey among 246 women aged 18 to 78 years. The author-designed questionnaire consisted of 27 questions: 1 open-ended, 23 closed-ended single-choice questions (including Likert-scale items), and 3 closed-ended multiple-choice questions with the option to provide a custom answer. The survey assessed participants’ knowledge of cervical cytology, mammography, breast ultrasound, and recommended screening frequency, as well as their information sources and perceived barriers to participation in preventive programs.
Cervical cytology within the preceding year was reported by 54.1% of respondents, while 57.7% were aware of current screening frequency recommendations. Over half of the respondents (54.5%) had never undergone HPV testing. The most reported barriers were lack of time (28.0%), absence of symptoms (19.9%) and fear of diagnosis (14.6%). Notably, 46.7% of respondents reported no barriers. The Internet was the predominant source of information (76.8%), while educational institutions were the least frequently cited (6.9%). Although participation rates were relatively high, detailed knowledge of screening guidelines remains insufficient. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives and the strategic use of digital platforms to improve awareness and increase screening uptake.
Keywords: cancer; cervical cytology; HPV; prevention; women’s health
How to cite
Gwarda W., Cendrowska-Pinkosz M., 2026. Women’s health prevention: building awareness around screening practices. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.H007