Improving the Pap test experience to boost cervical screening participation
Effects of the Ameliorated Pap Test on Cervical Cancer Screening Participation: a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 248 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Douliu and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06968871 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Douliu and 4 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.