Increasing cervical cancer screening among under-screened women invited through breast screening programs
Improving Cervical Cancer Screening Coverage Among Underscreened Women Aged 50 to 74 in Switzerland Using HPV Self-sampling Strategies: A Randomized Study - Breast Cancer-Related Approach for Increasing Cervical Cancer Screening
This trial will test whether sending an awareness letter or mailing a free HPV self-sampling kit gets more cervical cancer screening among women aged 50–74 in parts of Switzerland who haven't had screening in three years.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 4500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 74 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | School of Health Sciences Geneva Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Geneva, Canton of Geneva) |
| Trial ID | NCT07171658 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional trial enrolls women aged 50–74 across five Swiss cantons who have not had cervical screening in the past three years and who are invited for breast cancer screening. Participants are randomized to one of three arms: an awareness letter inviting them to schedule cervical screening, a mailed free HPV self-sampling kit, or an observational control group recruited one year later to avoid influencing behavior. Primary outcome is cervical screening participation; secondary outcomes include choice of primary screening method (HPV vs Pap), prevalence of positive results and follow-up rates, acceptability of the strategies, and associations with sociodemographic factors. The study also examines the relationship between breast and cervical screening behaviors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 50–74 who live in the selected cantons, speak one of the study languages, receive a breast screening invitation, and have not had cervical screening in the past three years.
Not a fit: Women with prior cervical cancer, prior hysterectomy, current pregnancy, inability to consent, or those already up to date with cervical screening are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these approaches could increase screening uptake among underscreened women and enable earlier detection of precancerous conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that mailed HPV self-sampling kits and targeted reminder letters can increase participation among underscreened groups, so this trial builds on established strategies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women receiving Breast Cancer Screening (BCS) invitation letters in the selected five cantons (Geneva, Bern (francophone), Jura, Neuchâtel, and Vaud) * Aged 50 to 74 years old * Not been screened for cervical cancer in the past three years * Speaking one of the 6 languages of the study (French, German, Italian, and in English, Spanish, and Portuguese) Exclusion Criteria: * Prior cervical cancer diagnosis, * Hysterectomy * Non consent to participate to the study * Incapable of judgment or under tutelage * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Geneva, Canton of Geneva
- University Hospitals of Geneva — Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jessica Di Vincenzo-Sormani, PhD
- Email: jessica.di-vincenzo-sormani@hesge.ch
- Phone: +41 22 558 58 78
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.