F.A.Q

  • What is the PACE project?

    PACE (Path to Equity in Cancer Prevention for People Living in Prison) is a European initiative focused on improving access to cancer prevention in prison settings.

  • What is the main goal of PACE?

    The goal of PACE is to reduce health inequalities by improving prevention of cancers linked to HPV and viral hepatitis among incarcerated and socially deprived groups.

  • Why does PACE focus on prisons?

    People in prison often face barriers to healthcare. Improving prevention in prisons protects individuals, staff, and public health overall.

  • Which populations does PACE support?

    PACE supports adults and juveniles in detention, as well as healthcare professionals and prison staff involved in prevention and care pathways.

  • In which countries does the project operate?

    PACE is implemented across several European countries through partnerships with public health authorities, prisons and research organisations.

  • What does health equity mean in this project?

    Health equity means ensuring fair access to prevention and care regardless of social status, legal situation or place of residence.

  • Which cancers does PACE aim to prevent?

    PACE focuses on cancers related to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and viral hepatitis, including liver and HPV-related cancers.

  • What is HPV?

    HPV is a very common virus that can cause certain cancers. Vaccination is an effective and safe way to prevent HPV-related diseases.

  • What is viral hepatitis?

    Viral hepatitis (mainly hepatitis B and C) affects the liver and can lead to serious disease, including liver cancer, if not prevented or treated.

  • How does vaccination help prevent cancer?

    Vaccination prevents infections that are known to cause cancer. Preventing infection reduces long-term cancer risk significantly.

  • Does PACE provide medical treatment?

    PACE does not replace healthcare services. It supports prevention pathways, access to vaccination and referral to appropriate healthcare providers.

  • Is PACE a research project?

    Yes, PACE combines research with practical implementation to identify what works best in real prison health systems.

  • How are people in prison involved?

    The project uses participatory approaches, meaning people in prison are consulted and involved in shaping interventions when possible.

  • Does the project respect human rights?

    Yes. Respect for dignity, autonomy, confidentiality and human rights is central to all PACE activities.

  • Is participation in PACE voluntary?

    Yes. Participation in any preventive or educational activity supported by PACE is voluntary.

  • Does PACE collect personal health data?

    PACE follows strict data protection rules and complies fully with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

  • Is the website collecting sensitive personal data?

    No. The website does not collect sensitive health data from visitors.

  • How does PACE support healthcare professionals?

    PACE provides tools, training and guidance to help professionals strengthen prevention and vaccination pathways in prison settings.

  • What role do prisons play in public health?

    Prisons are part of the wider public health system. Improving prison health improves health outcomes for the whole community.

  • How does PACE align with EU health policy?

    PACE supports the EU Beating Cancer Plan and the WHO goals for eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat.

  • Are juveniles included in the project?

    Yes, where legally and ethically appropriate, prevention strategies also address young people in detention settings.

  • Does PACE promote stigma or discrimination?

    No. PACE actively works against stigma and promotes respectful, inclusive and evidence-based approaches.

  • Is vaccination safe in prison settings?

    Yes. Vaccination in prisons follows the same medical safety standards as in the community.

  • Can families access information from PACE?

    Yes. The website provides publicly accessible information about prevention, health equity and project activities.

  • Is PACE only about vaccination?

    No. PACE also focuses on education, screening pathways, referral systems and continuity of care.

  • What happens after someone leaves prison?

    PACE promotes continuity of care so prevention and treatment can continue after release.

  • Who funds the PACE project?

    PACE is supported through European funding mechanisms dedicated to public health and cancer prevention.

  • Is this website regularly updated?

    Yes. News, resources and project outputs will be added throughout the project’s lifetime.

  • Does PACE provide legal advice?

    No. The project focuses on health and prevention, not legal matters.

  • Can organisations collaborate with PACE?

    Yes. Public health bodies, researchers and stakeholders may contact the project for collaboration opportunities.

  • How does PACE measure impact?

    Impact is measured through indicators such as access to vaccination, improved pathways and policy recommendations.

  • Are project materials publicly available?

    Yes. Many tools, reports and outputs will be shared openly through the website.

  • Is the information on this site medical advice?

    No. The information is educational and does not replace professional medical consultation.

  • What languages will the website support?

    The main language is English, with additional languages added when possible to increase accessibility.

  • How does PACE address misinformation?

    PACE promotes evidence-based information and collaborates with experts to ensure accuracy.

  • Is consent required for participation?

    Yes. Informed consent is a core requirement for participation in any PACE-related activity.

  • Does PACE work with prison authorities?

    Yes, in close cooperation with health services and authorities while maintaining ethical independence.

  • How does PACE protect confidentiality?

    All data handling follows strict confidentiality and data-protection procedures.

  • What makes PACE different from other projects?

    PACE combines equity, prevention, participation and system-level change in prison health contexts.

  • Does PACE include gender-sensitive approaches?

    Yes. The project considers gender-specific health needs and barriers to prevention.

  • Can the public follow project progress?

    Yes. Updates, news and outcomes will be shared regularly through this website.

  • Who manages the PACE website?

    The website is managed by the PACE project consortium in line with EU communication standards.

  • How can I contact the PACE team?

    You can use the Contact section of the website to reach the project team.

  • Does PACE support policy development?

    Yes. One aim of the project is to inform policies that improve prison health systems across Europe.

  • Is participation free of charge?

    Yes. PACE activities supported within public systems are not intended to create financial barriers.

  • How long will the project last?

    PACE runs for a defined project period, with outcomes intended to have long-term impact.

  • What happens after the project ends?

    The goal is for good practices to be integrated into national prison health systems sustainably.

  • Can I reuse content from this website?

    Content may be reused for non-commercial, educational purposes with proper attribution to the PACE project.

  • Why is prevention important in prisons?

    Prevention reduces disease, improves wellbeing and supports healthier reintegration into society.

  • How does PACE support dignity and respect?

    All actions are guided by respect for human dignity, autonomy and ethical public health practice.

  • Where can I learn more about PACE?

    Visit the About PACE section on the website to explore the project in more detail.