Trust in Cancer Information Sources and Awareness of Human Papillomavirus as a Cause of Cervical Cancer Among US Adults.

The information people trust can shape the questions they ask, the care they seek, and the health decisions they make. This is especially important when it comes to HPV and cervical cancer, where accurate information, routine screening, and informed conversations with healthcare providers can play a critical role in prevention. The following research examines how trust in different sources of cancer information may influence public understanding of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer.

Trust in physicians, and trust in government health agencies influence individual decision-making and behavior toward public health programs. However, trust in information about cancer from these sources and their association with public awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) as a cause of cervical cancer remains understudied. 

To assess the association of trust in cancer information sources with awareness that HPV causes cervical cancer among US adults, a cross-sectional study was conducted; data were extracted from adults aged 18 years or older between March 7 and November 8, 2022.  The primary outcome was awareness of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer among US adults who have heard of HPV.  The study included 3914 respondents who had heard of HPV; of these, 625 (15.0%) were Hispanic, 558 (10.0%) were non-Hispanic Black, 2290 (65.2%) were non-Hispanic White, and 2557 (55.8%) were female.

Overall, 2910 (75.1%), 1173 (30.3%), and 157 (3.5%) US adults had a lot of trust in physicians, government health agencies, and religious organizations for cancer information, respectively. The prevalence of awareness that HPV causes cervical cancer was 870 (70.2%), 1922 (64.8%), and 86 (48.9%) among individuals with a lot of trust in government health agencies, physicians, and religious organizations for cancer information, respectively; compared with individuals with a lot of trust, those with some trust and little or no trust in government health agencies for cancer information had lower odds of awareness that HPV causes cervical cancer.

Similarly, compared with individuals with a lot of trust, those with some trust in physicians had lower odds of awareness that HPV causes cervical cancer. In contrast, individuals with little or no trust in religious organizations had higher odds of awareness of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer. Compared with non-Hispanic White respondents, non-Hispanic Asian respondents had lower odds of awareness of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer. Compared with female respondents, male respondents had lower odds of awareness of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer. Compared with individuals who had college or postgraduate education, individuals with up to high school and after high school or some college education had lower odds of awareness of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer.  In this cross-sectional study of US adults, trust in government health agencies and physicians was positively associated with public awareness of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer. 

These findings remind us that sharing accurate cancer information is only part of the work. People must also feel confident in the sources providing it. Strengthening trust, improving access to understandable health education, and reaching communities where awareness remains lower are essential steps toward helping more people make informed decisions about their health. At the Women’s Cancer Research Foundation, we remain committed to supporting research and education that can contribute to better awareness, earlier intervention, and improved outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About HPV and Cervical Cancer

Does having HPV mean I will develop cervical cancer?

No. HPV is extremely common, and most infections go away on their own without causing health problems. Cervical cancer is primarily associated with a persistent infection involving a high-risk type of HPV that remains in the body for years and causes changes in cervical cells.

Does a positive HPV test mean I have cervical cancer?

No. A positive HPV test means that a high-risk type of HPV was detected. Most people with abnormal cervical screening results do not have cancer, but following the recommended next steps is important so that any concerning cell changes can be identified and monitored or treated.

What is the difference between an HPV test and a Pap test?

An HPV test looks for high-risk types of HPV that can cause changes in cervical cells. A Pap test looks for abnormal or precancerous cervical cells that may develop into cancer if they are not appropriately monitored or treated. Depending on a person’s age, health history, and previous results, a healthcare provider may recommend one test or both.

Can HPV appear years after exposure?

Yes. An HPV test can become positive years after the original exposure, including when a previously inactive infection becomes detectable again. Because HPV is so common and can remain unnoticed for a long time, it is often impossible to determine exactly when the infection occurred or who transmitted it.

How long does it take for HPV to develop into cervical cancer?

HPV does not immediately become cervical cancer. When a high-risk infection persists, it can take years for precancerous cervical cell changes to develop and considerably longer for those changes to become cancer. This long progression is one reason routine screening can be so effective: it creates an opportunity to identify and treat abnormal cells before cancer develops.

Can cervical cancer be prevented?

Cervical cancer is considered highly preventable. HPV vaccination, routine cervical cancer screening, and appropriate follow-up after an abnormal result can prevent many cases by reducing HPV infections or identifying precancerous cell changes before they become cancer.

Do I still need cervical cancer screening if I received the HPV vaccine?

Yes. The HPV vaccine provides strong protection against the HPV types responsible for most HPV-related cancers, but it does not eliminate the need for routine cervical cancer screening. People who have received the vaccine should continue to follow the screening recommendations appropriate for their age and health history.

Why should men understand the connection between HPV and cervical cancer?

HPV awareness is important for everyone. Men can acquire and transmit HPV, and HPV can also cause cancers of the penis, anus, and back of the throat. Greater public understanding can support vaccination, informed healthcare decisions, and better conversations among individuals, partners, families, and healthcare providers.

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About Women’s Cancer Research Foundation:

The Women’s Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF) is one of the most active research organizations in the nation. We are dedicated to studying and evaluating novel treatments for women afflicted with breast, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. The WCRF persistently endeavors to make a difference in women’s lives by offering them hope, strength, and progress.