Hybrid approach to boost cervical cancer screening in Uganda
Official title: A Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness Trial of Game Changers for Cervical Cancer Prevention in Uganda
Funded at Rand Corporation · NIH-11413785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly program called Game Changers for Cervical Cancer Prevention helps Ugandan women encourage friends and family to get screened for cervical cancer using a low-cost test.
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) | $656,908 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282284-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women in Uganda who have not yet been screened for cervical cancer and who are connected to others who can act as peer champions.
✕Less likely to help
Women in areas without peer networks or access barriers that cannot be addressed by the program may not experience benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a peer-led group program that trains women who have recently been screened to share accurate information, dispel myths, and reduce stigma so more women in their social networks will get VIA screening. It uses real-world implementation in Uganda and combines evidence from past pilots with a new randomized trial to see if the approach increases screening uptake and supports sustainable practice. The study builds on community relationships and social influence to overcome barriers to screening and improve early detection. Results could guide how to scale peer-driven cervical cancer prevention in similar low-resource settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more Ugandan women will be screened early, leading to earlier treatment and fewer deaths from cervical cancer.
How similar studies have gone: A prior pilot RCT showed strong increases in screening among social network members.
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
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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.
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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.
-
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.