Cancer Tracking System to improve cervical cancer screening and follow-up in Kenya
Implementing and Evaluating the Cancer Tracking System (CATSystem): A systems level intervention to improve Cervical Cancer screening, treatment referral and follow up in Kenya
A web-based tracking system aims to help women in Kenya, especially those with HIV, get timely cervical cancer screening, referrals, and follow-up care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112470 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a web-based tool called the CATSystem that records screening results and generates guideline-based next steps for clinics. The team co-designed the system with Kenyan providers and patients and piloted it in a hospital, where on-site treatment and referrals improved 2.5 to 5-fold. During the grant period the CATSystem will be rolled out at participating clinics to link screening, referral, and treatment and to prompt active follow-up for women with positive screens. Researchers will compare screening coverage, treatment initiation, and follow-up completion before and after implementation to see if the system keeps more women in care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women in Kenya who are eligible for cervical cancer screening—especially those living with HIV or who have had a positive screening result needing referral—are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women who do not attend participating clinics, live outside the program areas, or who already completed treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the CATSystem could increase screening and treatment completion and reduce loss to follow-up and preventable deaths from cervical cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Other eHealth and tracking approaches in low-resource settings have improved retention and the pilot of the CATSystem showed a 2.5 to 5-fold improvement in on-site treatment and referrals, so this builds on promising, but still early, evidence.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kessler, Sarah Finocchario — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kessler, Sarah Finocchario
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.