Adherence and Willingness to Participate in Cancer Screening Programs Among Women Living in Prison: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southern Italy

Background/Objectives: Data on cancer screening programs as well as on the willingness to adhere to these programs in women living in prison (WLP) are lacking. This study investigated the adherence and willingness to undergo cancer screening programs among WLP. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to March 2024. Results: Overall, 159 WLP were eligible for at least one screening test and 56.8%, 57.6%, and 27.6% had undergone a mammography, PAP-test, and fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in screening programs, respectively. Having undergone a PAP-test for screening purposes was significantly more likely for those in the overweight category, who were experiencing their first detention and were involved in working activities in prison. Moreover, 72.5%, 56.7%, and 72.9% expressed their willingness to undergo mammography, PAP-test, and FOBT for screening purposes if offered in prison, respectively. Willingness to undergo a PAP-test for screening in prison was significantly higher in those in their first experience of detention, who were underweight/healthy weight, who reported correct fruit, vegetable, and protein consumption, and who had expressed willingness to receive vaccinations in prison if offered. Furthermore, older WLP and those with a length of detention of 2-5 years were significantly less willing to undergo a PAP-test. Conclusions: The findings of this study have demonstrated that adherence to recommended cancer screening tests is definitely poor in WLP, but have ascertained a strong willingness to participate in cancer screening programs if offered in prison. This is an opportunity that cannot be missed, suggesting that it is imperative to recommend policies aimed at the elimination of barriers for the provision of cancer screening tests as standard preventive care for WLP.