Dear Neil and HIFA colleagues,
On behalf of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), please find below our contribution to the global discussion on cervical cancer information.
We hope this input will be useful to the discussion, particularly in highlighting the role pharmacists can play across the cervical cancer prevention and care pathway.
The role of pharmacists in improving cervical cancer information, prevention and care
Pharmacists, particularly those working in community settings, can play an important role in improving access to reliable information and supporting people throughout the cervical cancer prevention and care pathway. As accessible and trusted healthcare professionals, they are well placed to promote health literacy, address misconceptions and provide evidence-based advice in a person-centred and non-judgemental manner.
Information, health literacy and addressing misinformation
Pharmacists can help people understand the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, the importance of prevention, and the distinction between HPV infection, a positive HPV test and cervical cancer. They can address common concerns and misconceptions, including those relating to HPV transmission, vaccine safety and effectiveness, and the need for screening even in the absence of symptoms. Through accessible and personalised conversations, pharmacists can help build confidence in evidence-based prevention and encourage informed health decisions.
Prevention and vaccination
Pharmacists can contribute to HPV prevention by raising awareness, explaining the benefits and safety of vaccination, addressing vaccine hesitancy and supporting vaccination uptake. Depending on national regulations and professional scope of practice, their contribution may also include vaccine administration and participation in immunisation programmes. Engaging pharmacists in these efforts can help extend the reach of vaccination information and services, particularly through community-based settings.
Screening, early detection and referral
Pharmacists can support cervical cancer screening by informing people about its importance, explaining available screening options and encouraging participation in organised national programmes. They can also signpost and refer individuals to appropriate screening services and help address practical or informational barriers to access. In settings where programmes allow, pharmacies may have a more direct role, for example in the distribution of HPV self-sampling kits and provision of guidance on their use, as demonstrated by an implementation programme in Catalonia, Spain.[1]
Monitoring, management and continuity of care
For people with a positive HPV test, abnormal screening results or a cervical cancer diagnosis, pharmacists can help reinforce the importance of appropriate follow-up and referral. Within their professional scope, they can also contribute to treatment support through medication counselling, adherence support, monitoring for adverse effects and helping people navigate their care pathways. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals is essential to ensure coordinated, continuous and person-centred care.
FIP's contribution
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) supports the development of pharmacists' knowledge and skills in HPV prevention and communication. In 2025, FIP developed a three-part CPD Bites series, Improving HPV-related cancers and diseases education among pharmacists, covering HPV and HPV-related diseases; HPV vaccination mechanisms, effectiveness and safety; and identifying at-risk populations and overcoming barriers to vaccination.
FIP also developed a Communication Guide on HPV-related cancers and diseases education among pharmacists, providing practical, evidence-based guidance to help pharmacists initiate conversations, address common concerns, promote HPV vaccination and raise awareness of cervical cancer.
These resources demonstrate FIP's commitment to equipping pharmacists to contribute to HPV-related cancer prevention and health literacy. Further opportunities include strengthening collaboration between pharmacy organisations, screening programmes, public health authorities and patient organisations, and generating more evidence on the contribution of pharmacy services to screening participation and follow-up.
Relevant FIP resources:
Improving HPV-related cancers and diseases education among pharmacists (2025)
Communication guide on HPV Vaccine and HPV-related diseases
Cancer care: A handbook for pharmacists (2022)
FIP knowledge and skills reference guide for professional development in cancer care (2022)
The FIP Montreal Declaration on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (2026)
FIP work on cancer: https://ncd.fip.org/cancer/
[1] Peremiquel-Trillas P, Roura E, Rangel-Sarmiento V, et al. Building the foundations for an organized population-based cervical cancer screening program with primary HPV self-sampling in Catalonia, Spain: findings from a pilot implementation study. Front Med (Lausanne). 2025;12:1580665. Published 2025 Aug 4. doi:10.3389/fmed.2025.1580665
Best wishes,
Inês Nunes da Cunha and Dalia Bajis
Dr Inês Nunes da Cunha, PhD
Practice development and transformation manager
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
Andries Bickerweg 5
2517 JP
The Hague
Netherlands
Email: ines@fip.org
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The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of 158 national organisations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, representing over 5.5 million pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacy educators worldwide. More info please visit www.fip.org
HIFA profile: Inês Nunes da Cunha is Practice development and transformation manager at International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), and is based in Portugal. ines AT fip.org