The knowledge of cervical cancer and screening adherence among nurses at a university-affiliated hospital in Japan

ecause cervical cancer has few subjective symptoms, and progression to invasive cancer is slow, early detection of precancerous lesions by screening is important for prevention. It is globally acknowledged that the prevalence of cervical cancer screening as a secondary prevention is effective for reducing the incidence of cervical cancer and mortality. However, adherence with the recommended screening guidelines for cervical cancer in Japan remains relatively low (24.5%) compared with other developed countries (70%80%). A report of the Japanese National Cancer Center estimates that there are approximately 8,500 new cases of cervical cancer each year, and approximately 2,500 Original Contribution Kitasato Med J 2012; 42: 6-14