Unpacking cervical cancer stigma in healthcare: lessons learnt from Indonesian patients and health professionals

Abstract

Indonesia has the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in Southeast Asia, with 36,000 new diagnoses and 21,000 deaths occurring in 2020. This situation stems from delayed introduction of free HPV vaccination, poor uptake of cervical screening, and widespread stigmatisation of cervical cancer. Ethnographic research conducted between 2019 and 2021 documented women’s experiences of cervical cancer stigma in healthcare, stigmatising narratives and practices exhibited by health professionals, and non-stigmatising practices demonstrated by health professionals. Four dominant narratives were identified including stigma based on: perceived sexual immorality; marital status; low soci..