Untimely follow-up after cervical cancer screening: A qualitative study among healthcare providers in Flanders (Belgium)

Background

Cervical cancer remains a global health burden despite being largely preventable through vaccination, screening, and timely treatment. Delays in follow-up after abnormal screening undermine the effectiveness of organized cervical cancer screening programmes. In Flanders (Belgium), organized screening and reminder systems exist, yet 17.7% of women do not receive adequate follow-up after an abnormal Pap smear, highlighting the need to understand multilevel factors influencing timely follow-up.