Testing for cervical cancer using self-sampling kits in underserved communities
Official title: Self-Testing for Cervical Cancer in Priority Populations: the STEP-2 Trial
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11089431 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help more women get screened for cervical cancer by providing easy-to-use self-sampling kits for HPV testing, either at their health clinics or sent directly to their homes, so they can get the care they need more easily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $651,929 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3CA290286-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089431 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women receiving care at Federally Qualified Health Centers who are eligible for cervical cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not eligible for cervical cancer screening or those who have already been screened recently may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve cervical cancer screening rates among patients in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) by implementing self-sampling kits for HPV testing. The study will adapt and evaluate two different programs to distribute these kits, either at clinics or directly to patients' homes. By involving community input and partnerships with Medicaid, the research seeks to address barriers to screening and ensure that more women receive timely cervical cancer detection. The project will be conducted in two phases, starting with planning and pilot testing, followed by a larger trial across multiple clinics in Oregon and Washington.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase cervical cancer screening rates and early detection among underserved populations.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches using self-sampling for HPV testing have shown success in other countries, but this specific implementation in the US is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winer, Rachel L. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Winer, Rachel L.
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.
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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.