Improving the Pap test experience to boost cervical screening participation
Official title: Effects of the Ameliorated Pap Test on Cervical Cancer Screening Participation: a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT06968871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether adding a gentle, non-painful step at the end of a Pap test reduces remembered pain and increases future cervical cancer screening among women aged 25 and older.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 25 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 850 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Douliu and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2032 |
| Registry record updated | October 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06968871 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 25 or older who are scheduled for a Pap smear, not currently menstruating or pregnant, able to use numeric pain scales, and without recent cancer, prior hysterectomy/pelvic surgery/radiotherapy, active vaginal or uterine infection, or recent analgesic use are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are pregnant, menstruating, have active infection, recent cancer, prior hysterectomy or pelvic surgery, are using analgesics within 24 hours, or cannot understand pain scales would be excluded and would not receive benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a multicenter randomized controlled trial led by National Taiwan University Hospital that adds a brief, non-painful final step to the standard Pap smear based on the peak-end theory. About 248 women aged 25 or older who have not yet had a Pap test in 2026 will be randomized 1:1 to the modified Pap test or standard procedure across several NTUH branches. The primary outcome is 3-year cervical cancer screening participation, powered to detect an increase from 30% to 50%; several exclusion criteria (menstruation, pregnancy, recent cancer, prior hysterectomy or pelvic surgery, active infection, recent analgesic use, or inability to use numeric pain scales) apply. All participants provide informed consent and the protocol follows ethical standards and local research ethics committee approval.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this low-cost change could raise screening participation and help catch cervical disease earlier, potentially reducing cancer-related harm.
How similar studies have gone: A prior single-center pilot trial applying the peak-end concept to Pap tests showed reduced recalled pain, but multicenter evidence that the modification increases long-term screening participation is not yet available.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged 25 or above Exclusion Criteria: * Ongoing menstruation * Pregnancy * Incapability of understanding the numeric pain scales * Any active cancer at study entry (defined as cancer diagnosed or treated within the previous 6 months, recurrent, regionally advanced or metastatic cancer) * Previous hysterectomy, pelvic surgery, or radiotherapy * Active vaginal or uterus infection * Analgesic use within 24 hours
Where it's running
-
National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch
Douliu, Taiwan Recruiting -
National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch
Hsinchu, Taiwan Recruiting -
National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting -
National Taiwan University Cancer Center
Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting -
National Taiwan University Hospital Beihu Branch
Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chien-Hsieh Chiang, MD, MPH, PhD
- Email: jiansie@gmail.com
- Phone: 886 + 972651864
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.