Health Without Borders: Cervical Cancer Prevention in Immigrant Women

As part of the DCIMIT – Disparities in Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection among Immigrants in Italy project, the research team of the University of Bologna is organizing a scientific conference dedicated to the prevention of cervical cancer among immigrant women in Italy.

The initiative aims to promote dialogue among researchers, healthcare professionals, students, associations, patients and communities on Cervical Cancer. With a focus on prevention, access to human papillomavirus screening and vaccination, the social and cultural determinants that influence migrant women’s health, and the opportunities offered by research and technological innovation in cancer prevention. 

The DCIMIT project

The conference is part of the activities of the DCIMIT project, funded by AIRC – Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro, which aims to investigate the factors influencing access to prevention, screening and care for cervical cancer among immigrant women in Italy.

The event will provide an opportunity to share data, scientific evidence and multidisciplinary perspectives on this topic, fostering dialogue between research, public health, local health services and communities.

Programme overview

1. Research & Education

Session addressed to researchers, specialists and students. Epidemiological data on cervical cancer among immigrant women will be presented, beside evidence on HPV vaccination coverage in migrant communities, determinants of access to screening, health promotion interventions, and ethical and methodological challenges in research involving migrant populations.

2. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Cervical Cancer Research

Session addressed to specialists and researchers. The session will explore the potential of machine learning and artificial intelligence in scientific research and cervical cancer prevention, with a focus on applications in screening, the study of health inequalities, and ethical aspects.

3. Health and Migration: Rights, Cultures and Access to Care

Session addressed to the public, associations, health professionals, patients, and institutional and community stakeholders. The session will address the right to health and policies for access to cancer care among immigrant people, the role of cultural, social and gender determinants in shaping health behaviors, the experiences of foreign patients along diagnosis and care pathways, and barriers and opportunities in access to services.

An opportunity to promote prevention and equity

The initiative aims to:

• foster dialogue between scientific research, clinical practice and public health
• promote a multidisciplinary reflection on inequalities in cervical cancer prevention
• highlight the role of communities, associations and health services in access to prevention and care
• strengthen collaboration between universities, healthcare professionals, institutions and local communities

Participation is free, subject to registration through the portal: click here

Format: hybrid, in person and online

ECM: accreditation planned for healthcare professionals

Further information

Contacts: valentina.biagioli@unibo.it - President of the event - Valentina Biagioli - Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche – DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna

eleonora.gorgati2@unibo.it - Scientific Secretary - Eleonora Gorgati - Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche – DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna