Game Changers for Cervical Cancer Prevention in Uganda
Official title: A Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness Trial of Game Changers for Cervical Cancer Prevention in Uganda
Funded at Rand Corporation · NIH-11535795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A program using peer-led group sessions in Uganda aims to help more women get screened for cervical cancer using a low-cost method.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rand Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Monica, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $129,842 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA282284-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women in Uganda who have not been screened for cervical cancer or who are part of social networks where screening is low.
✕Less likely to help
Women who are not connected to the program’s social networks or who face barriers not addressed by the intervention may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a peer-led, group-based approach to encourage women who have recently screened to persuade others in their social networks to get screened for cervical cancer. It builds on theories of social influence to reduce myths and stigma around screening with VIA, a low-cost test. The study uses a hybrid type 1 design to measure both how well the program works and how it can be put into practice in real-world clinics in Uganda. If successful, the approach could be scaled to other low-resource settings to improve early detection and outcomes for cervical cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase cervical cancer screening rates and enable earlier treatment, potentially reducing deaths.
How similar studies have gone: Prior pilot data showed large increases in screening among social network members of recently screened women.
Where this research is happening
-
Rand Corporation
Santa Monica, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wagner, Glenn John — Rand Corporation
- Study coordinator: Wagner, Glenn John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Community and digital tools to reduce HPV and cervical cancer burden
A nurse or health team will test a community-based, digital strategy to help girls and young women, especially in rural areas, get HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention services.
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Community and digital tools to reduce HPV and cervical cancer in women with HIV
A community- and digital-technology program aims to help girls and young women, including those with HIV, get more HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention services.
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mSaada: a mobile tool to boost cervical cancer screening in western Kenya
A mobile app helps community health volunteers manage cervical cancer screening tasks and follow-up for women in low-resource areas.
-
Globally useful predictor for cervical cancer treatment response
This project aims to develop a simple predictive signature to personalize treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer using easy tests and imaging.
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HPV self-collection in HIV care to screen for cervical cancer in Ethiopia
A patient-centered program tests a simple HPV self-collection approach within HIV clinics in Ethiopia to help detect cervical cancer earlier.
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Hybrid approach to boost cervical cancer screening in Uganda
A tested, community-driven program helps Ugandan women encourage their peers to get free VIA cervical cancer screening.
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.