P20 Rationalities of postponing screening: women’s interpretations of cancer risks and prevention

Background In mainstream public health theory and praxis, citizens’ ability to comply to healthy and preventative behaviour is often interpreted to be a question of knowledge. However, knowledge is complex, including a blend of scientific and medical knowledge, cultural attitudes, individual convictions and ignorance, in addition to personal uncertainties. Thus, in the context of cervical screening attendance, social constructions of knowledge play a pivotal role in the articulation of rationalities towards screening attendance. Aim To generate a critical understanding of the social construction of knowledge about cervical cancer risks and prevention, in order to better understand why women in Norway may postpone cervical screening. Methods We have completed 11 focus group interviews (FGI’s) in Norway. In nine of the FGI, women who had postponed cervical screening participated. The FGI centred around six statements about cervical screening attendance. Results Two important controversies were prominent in women’s reflection about cervical cancer risk and prevention. First, cervical cancer was throughout the discussions understood as randomly acquired, but risk was modified by lifestyle, stress, genetics, and sexual risk behaviour. Secondly, women reflected conflicting views on the purpose of screening. Screening was mainly understood as diagnostic, and to less degree as prevention and for data-gathering purposes. In further analysis, we analyse how these different opinions are linked to attitudes of cancer fatalism and cancer fear, as well as cancer stigma and blame. Conclusion Construction of knowledge of cancer risk and prevention has significance for understanding ambivalence regarding screening attendance in Norway.