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-11535797 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A tested, community-driven program helps Ugandan women encourage their peers to get free VIA cervical cancer screening.
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) | $16,399 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA282284-04S3 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535797 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women in Uganda who have not yet been screened for cervical cancer and are connected to peers who can influence health decisions.
✕Less likely to help
Women who are unable to participate in group sessions or who do not have access to VIA screening may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a peer-led, group-based program called Game Changers for Cervical Cancer Prevention to increase screening uptake among Ugandan women. It uses social networks and real-world clinic workflows to implement and sustain the program in low-resource settings. The study combines implementation science with an effectiveness component to see if the program improves VIA screening rates and can be adopted more broadly. The work builds on prior pilot findings suggesting social influence can dramatically raise screening among previously unscreened women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could significantly increase cervical cancer screening and early detection in Uganda and similar settings.
How similar studies have gone: A prior R21 pilot showed large increases in screening among social network members participating in a similar intervention.
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
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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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Game Changers for cervical cancer prevention in Uganda
A community-based program helps women who have been screened share knowledge to encourage more women to get screened for cervical cancer in Uganda.
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.