'With the best of reasons': cervical cancer prevention policy and the suppression of sexual risk factor information

Cervical cancer is a very common but largely preventable cancer. Despite co nsiderable medical knowledge of risk and even causal factors, possible soci al-behavioural strategies for the primary prevention of cervical cancer hav e rarely been explored as a viable addition to cervical screening. We exami ne key policy documents and interview 18 key informants on cervical cancer prevention in New Zealand. Using a discourse analytic approach we identify and discuss two discourses (which we have labelled 'protectionism' and 'rig ht to know') which inform positions on whether or not women should be provi ded with information regarding sexual risk factors for cervical cancer. Cer vical cancer prevention policy in New Zealand, which largely reflects a pro tectionist discourse, suppresses sexual risk factor information and focuses exclusively on cervical screening. The right to know discourse informs an alternative position, which contends that women have a right to be informed about risk factors. We discuss these positions in relation to questions ab out women's rights, the principle of informed choice, and attempts to judge what is in women's 'best interests.' (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.