Millennials at highest risk of missing crucial cervical cancer screenings, finds survey commissioned by Roche
Roche (OTCQX: RHHBY) commissioned a Europe survey (5,518 respondents) and found 31% of eligible millennials (age 29–42) postponed or missed cervical screening—27% above the all-age average. The research reports fear (30%) and workplace demands as top barriers, with high-income earners 22% more likely to delay and 27% of parents reporting missed appointments. Millennials cited workplace flexibility (19%), travel/childcare support (12%), and encouragement (10%) as motivators. Roche promotes self-sampling and tailored outreach to increase attendance and advance its cervical cancer elimination campaign.
Roche (OTCQX: RHHBY) ha commissionato un sondaggio in Europa (5.518 intervistati) e ha rilevato che il 31% dei millennials eleggibili (età 29–42) hanno posticipato o saltato lo screening cervicale—27% in più rispetto alla media di tutta la popolazione. La ricerca riporta la paura (30%) e le richieste sul posto di lavoro come principali ostacoli, con i redditi alti che hanno una probabilità di ritardo superiore del 22% e 27% dei genitori che hanno riferito appuntamenti mancati. I millennials hanno citato flessibilità sul posto di lavoro (19%), supporto per viaggi/cura dei figli (12%), e incoraggiamento (10%) come fattori motivanti. Roche promuove l'auto-sampling e campagne di outreach mirate per aumentare la partecipazione e avanzare la sua campagna di eliminazione del cancro cervicale.
Roche (OTCQX: RHHBY) encargó una encuesta en Europa (5.518 encuestados) y encontró que el 31% de los millennials elegibles (edades 29–42) pospuso o dejó de hacerse la revisión cervical—27% por encima de la media de todos los grupos de edad. La investigación reporta miedo (30%) y demandas laborales como principales barreras, con los de ingresos altos un 22% más propensos a retrasar y un 27% de los padres reportando citas perdidas. Los millennials citaron flexibilidad en el trabajo (19%), apoyo para viajes/guardería (12%), y aliento (10%) como motivadores. Roche promociona el auto-muestraje (auto-recolección) y un alcance personalizado para aumentar la asistencia y avanzar su campaña de eliminación del cáncer de cuello de útero.
로슈(Roche, OTCQX: RHHBY)는 유럽 여론조사를 의뢰했고(5,518명 응답) 자격 요건을 갖춘 밀레니얼 세대(29–42세)의 31%가 자궁경부 검사의 시기를 미루거나 놓쳤으며—전체 연령 평균보다 27% 높다. 연구에 따르면 두려움(30%)과 직장 요구가 주요 장벽으로 나타났고, 고소득층은 지연될 가능성이 22% 더 높았으며 부모의 27%가 약속을 놓쳤다고 보고했다. 밀레니얼 세대는 직장 내 유연성(19%), 여행/자녀 돌봄 지원(12%), 격려(10%)를 동기로 꼽았다. 로슈는 자가 채취를 촉진하고 맞춤형 홍보를 통해 참석률을 높이고 자궁경부암 제거 캠페인을 진전시키려 한다.
Roche (OTCQX: RHHBY) a commandé une enquête en Europe (5 518 répondants) et a découvert que 29–42 ans, millenials éligibles représentent 31% qui ont reporté ou manqué le dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus—27% au-dessus de la moyenne de l’ensemble des âges. La recherche indique que la peur (30%) et les exigences professionnelles constituent les principaux obstacles, avec les personnes à revenu élevé 22% plus susceptibles de retarder et 27% des parents signalant des rendez-vous manqués. Les millenials citent la flexibilité au travail (19%), le soutien au voyage/à la garde d’enfants (12%), et l’encouragement (10%) comme facteurs motivants. Roche promeut l’auto-prélèvement et une démarche de sensibilisation personnalisée pour augmenter la participation et faire progresser sa campagne d’élimination du cancer du col.
Roche (OTCQX: RHHBY) beauftragte eine Europe-Umfrage (5.518 Befragte) und fand heraus, dass 31% der berechtigten Millennials (Alter 29–42) die zervikale Screenings verzögern oder versäumen—27% über dem Durchschnitt aller Altersgruppen. Die Forschung meldet Angst (30%) und Arbeitsanforderungen als Top-Hindernisse, wobei Hochverdiener 22% wahrscheinlicher verzögern und 27% der Eltern verpasste Termine melden. Millennials gaben flexible Arbeitsbedingungen (19%), Unterstützung bei Reisen/Kinderbetreuung (12%), und Ermutigung (10%) als Motivatoren an. Roche fördert Selbstabstriche/Saliva (Self-Sampling) und maßgeschneiderte Outreach-Kampagnen, um die Teilnahme zu erhöhen und seine Kampagne zur Elimination von Gebärmutterhalskrebs voranzutreiben.
روش (OTCQX: RHHBY) كلفت استطلاعاً في أوروبا (5,518 مستجيباً) ووجدت أن 31% من جيل الألفية المؤهلين (الأعمار 29–42) أخروا أو فوتوا فحص عنق الرحم—27% أعلى من المتوسط العام. تشير النتائج إلى الخوف (30%) ومتطلبات مكان العمل كأهم عوائق، مع أن الأغنياء يزداد احتمال تاأخرهم بنسبة 22% مقابل 27% من الآباء أبلغوا عن مواعيد لم تُحضر. أشار جيل الألفية إلى مرونة مكان العمل (19%)، ودعم السفر/رعاية الأطفال (12%)، وتشجيع (10%) كعوامل تحفيز. تروج Roche لإجراء فحص ذاتي وتوجيهات مخصصة لزيادة الحضور وتقدم حملتها لإزالة سرطان عنق الرحم.
- 31% of millennials postponed or missed screenings (survey of 5,518)
- Research identifies concrete motivators: 19% want workplace flexibility
- Positions Roche to expand self-sampling and outreach solutions
- Campaign supports demand generation for screening products/services
- 30% cite fear as primary barrier to screening attendance
- Nearly 50% believe no support schemes exist, indicating awareness gap
- 27% of parents delayed or cancelled screening appointments
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New research shows that people aged 29-42 are more likely to miss cervical screenings than any other age group.1
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Almost one third of surveyed European millennials eligible for routine cervical screening have postponed or skipped their appointment.1
- Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, with almost all cases avoidable through vaccination and regular screenings.2
Despite screening services being widely available free of charge or heavily subsidised in many countries, for the millennials surveyed, specific challenges make accessing routine cervical screening difficult. In addition to the well-documented fears reported over pain, embarrassment or stigma surrounding screenings,1 the research reveals that millennials face a particular challenge in balancing careers, caregiving responsibilities, and relationships. These overlapping commitments appear to push cervical screenings – which remain vital for detecting HPV, the cause of over
"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."
The findings highlight the importance of practical, tailored interventions that address the barriers millennials face. Commenting on the results, Professor Daniel Kelly OBE, Cardiff University, and Co-Chair of the HPV and Hep B Action Network at the European Cancer Organisation said: "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."
Fear remains the biggest barrier to cervical screening attendance. Thirty percent of all women cite fear as the primary reason for missing or delaying their appointments, driven by anxiety about discomfort, pain, or the potential results. The survey also found that professional commitments and workplace demands are a major factor, and the second-largest barrier for all participants. High-income earners (top third of income ranges across markets) are
Caregiving responsibilities add another layer of complexity, particularly for parents. For many, the demands of family life take priority over personal health, with
These challenges are compounded by a lack of awareness and discussion around cervical screening, with half of women surveyed believing there are no schemes to support or subsidise healthcare appointments. Additionally, nearly
Practical and emotional support are key to improving attendance rates. Among millennials who postponed their screenings,
Cervical cancer: it only ends with all of us
Every year, cervical cancer affects more than 600,000 women globally,2 yet it is preventable in almost all cases through vaccination, early detection, and treatment of precancers.2 At Roche Diagnostics, we are committed to the elimination of cervical cancer through collective action. Our campaign, Cervical cancer: it only ends with all of us, focuses on reducing barriers to access, normalising conversations about cervical health, and enabling more eligible individuals to attend their routine screenings.
Roche is working alongside healthcare systems, governments, and communities to provide flexible screening options such as self-collection, inclusive education, and clear communication about the importance of early detection. Together, we can help improve attendance rates, empower individuals to take action for their health, and prevent cervical cancer from claiming more lives. Eliminating cervical cancer starts with all of us.
For more information, visit: https://roche.com/stories/cervical-cancer-it-only-ends-with-all-of-us
About Roche
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[1] GWI – Roche. Cervical Cancer Europe Study 2025.
[2] World Health Organisation. Cervical Cancer Factsheet. Available at URL: https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer#tab=tab_1
[3] Centers for Disease Control, Cancers caused by HPV. Available at URL: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/about/cancers-caused-by-hpv.html
Roche Diagnostics Communications
Kathryn Ager
Senior Communications Business Partner, Roche Diagnostics
kathryn.ager@roche.com
Phone: +44 07745 115046
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SOURCE Roche