Self-sampling for cervical and colorectal cancer screening among underscreened adults
Official title: Improving the cancer screening process: Impact of self-sampling tools among underscreened patients
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11448839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large study will test whether giving patients self-sampling kits by mail leads to more people completing cancer screening compared to just sending a scheduling reminder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $639,477 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA309199-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who are overdue for cervical and/or colorectal cancer screening and willing to participate in a mailed-in kit study.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who are not eligible for screening or who cannot participate in mailed kits may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will enroll adults who are overdue for either cervical or colorectal cancer screening and randomly assign them to receive either a mailed reminder to schedule a screening or a self-sampling kit for screening at home. By comparing completion rates and repeat screening over time, researchers will look at how tool design and patient characteristics influence engagement with the screening process. The study uses behavioral theories to understand how participation in one screening may affect other screening behaviors. If successful, the approach could simplify screening, reduce barriers, and improve early cancer detection in underserved populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the approach could increase screening rates and enable earlier cancer detection, potentially reducing cancer mortality.
How similar studies have gone: Prior evidence supports self-sampling for some cancers, but its impact on complete screening cascades and repeat screening is still being studied.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moss, Jennifer Lindsay — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Moss, Jennifer Lindsay
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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.