What Do Women in the U.S. Know about Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer?

Background: Women need to understand the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer in order to make appropriate, evidence-based choices among existing prevention strategies (Pap test, HPV DNA test, and HPV vaccine). Assessment of the public's knowledge in nationally representative samples is a high priority for cervical cancer control. Objectives: To assess factors associated with U.S. women's awareness of HPV and knowledge about its link to cervical cancer. Methods: Analyzed cross-sectional data from women ages 18 to 75 years old responding to the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey ( n = 3,076). Results: Among the 40% of women who had ever heard about HPV,