Improving cervical cancer screening and treatment in Kenya
Official title: Implementing and Evaluating the Cancer Tracking System (CATSystem): A systems level intervention to improve Cervical Cancer screening, treatment referral and follow up in Kenya
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10907008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make cervical cancer screening easier and better for women in Kenya, especially those living with HIV, by using a helpful online tool to improve how they get screened and treated.
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 start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $527,705 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278617-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907008 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women in Kenya, particularly those living with HIV, who are eligible for cervical cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in Kenya or do not meet the eligibility criteria for cervical cancer screening may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance cervical cancer screening and treatment referral processes in Kenya, particularly for women living with HIV who are at higher risk. It utilizes a web-based tool called the Cancer Tracking System (CATSystem) to streamline the screening process and improve follow-up care. By addressing barriers to treatment and utilizing innovative eHealth strategies, the project seeks to increase the rates of screening and treatment adherence among eligible women. The CATSystem has already shown promising results in a pilot program, significantly improving treatment rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased cervical cancer screening and treatment rates, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has demonstrated success with similar eHealth interventions in improving patient outcomes in low-resource settings.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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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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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HOPE-inG: Increasing cervical cancer screening for women with HIV in Ghana
A study tests a home-based HPV self-sampling approach plus a tailored communication plan to help women living with HIV in Ghana get screened more often for cervical cancer.
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CODA-based cervical cancer screening for LMICs using CRISPR and fluorescence
A low-resource, rapid test called CODA uses CRISPR and light signals to detect cervical cancer markers in women in sub-Saharan Africa to improve screening.
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CODA-based cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings
A new, quick, low-cost test using CRISPR and fluorescence readouts to help screen for cervical cancer in women in sub-Saharan Africa.
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CATSystem: a digital tool to boost cervical cancer screening and follow-up in Kenya
A digital tracking system helps doctors and patients in Kenya improve cervical cancer screening, treatment referrals, and follow-up, especially for women living with HIV.
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.