People aged 29 to 42 are more likely to miss cervical screenings than any other age group. Almost one third (31%) of eligible millennials surveyed across six European countries have postponed or skipped their cervical screening appointment, a rate 27% higher than the average across all age groups.
The survey, commissioned by pharmaceutical company Roche, found that despite screening services being free or subsidised in many European countries, a range of emotional and practical barriers prevent attendance. Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers, with almost all cases avoidable through vaccination and regular screening, yet participation among millennials remains low.
The findings suggest that competing pressures from work, caregiving and relationships make it difficult for many millennials to prioritise health checks. These overlapping responsibilities, combined with embarrassment and fear about screening, contribute to higher rates of missed appointments.
“Millennials are often said to be the ‘have it all generation,’ juggling careers, caregiving and societal expectations. Yet, they tend to put themselves last,” said Joanna Sickler, Vice-President, Health Policy and External Affairs at Roche Diagnostics.
“The research shows that millennials are disproportionately failing to prioritise cervical screening, because of a mix of emotional, logistical and societal pressures. It’s critical to design solutions like self-sampling that allow screening to fit into their reality. It’s not just important, it’s essential to saving lives.”
Barriers To Screening Include Fear And Workplace Pressures
Fear remains the most common reason for avoiding or delaying cervical screenings. Thirty per cent of women surveyed cited fear as the main barrier, often linked to anxiety about pain, discomfort or the potential results. However, workplace commitments were identified as the second biggest obstacle.
The survey found that professional demands prevent many women from making time for screenings. High-income earners were 22% more likely than average to delay appointments, with 27% of this group citing work-related pressures as the reason.
Millennials who cancelled or postponed their appointments were 20% more likely than the general population to say that greater workplace flexibility and encouragement would help them attend.
Caregiving responsibilities further add to these challenges. Among parents, 27% said they had delayed or cancelled their screening appointments due to family obligations.
The research also found that a lack of awareness about support schemes discourages attendance, with half of all women surveyed unaware of any programmes to assist or subsidise healthcare appointments.
Normalising Cervical Health Through Workplace Support
Professor Daniel Kelly OBE, Cardiff University, and Co-Chair of the HPV and Hep B Action Network at the European Cancer Organisation, said the findings underline the need for healthcare systems to evolve.
“Healthcare systems must evolve to meet women where and how they live offering flexible, person-centred screening options and access to vaccination while fostering open dialogue and community engagement that normalise cervical health as a shared responsibility,” he said.
The research also identified a lack of conversation about cervical screening. Nearly 50% of respondents, including 43% of millennials, said they had never spoken to anyone about screening, suggesting an ongoing cultural discomfort that prevents open discussion.
Practical support could also help improve attendance. Among millennials who postponed screenings, 12% said help with travel or childcare would make a difference, while 19% said workplace flexibility and encouragement from employers would help them prioritise appointments.
Emotional support was also important, with 10% saying they would be more likely to attend if encouraged by friends, family or colleagues.