Study of SMS and Electronic Letter Reminders with HPV Self-Sampling to Increase Cervical Cancer Screening Participation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating ways to increase participation in cervical cancer screening among women at higher risk due to irregular attendance or lack of follow-up after abnormal results. Cervical cancer screening in Sweden has successfully reduced cancer cases since the 1960s, but about 38% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer had not participated regularly in screening. This study focuses on improving attendance through different types of reminders and offers of self-sampling kits for HPV testing, aiming to detect treatable precursors of cervical cancer earlier. The study compares sending reminders by SMS, electronic letters, and traditional physical letters to encourage women to participate in screening. Women identified annually through registry data as having increased risk will receive these reminders and may be offered self-sampling kits either directly or by request via the internet. Self-sampling kits include instructions and prepaid envelopes, and submitted samples are analyzed for high-risk HPV types using approved molecular tests. The study includes specific follow-up procedures for women testing positive, involving direct referrals or consultations via SMS and follow-up sampling by trained midwives. Participants will be monitored for their response to summons over a 12-month period. Researchers will assess participation rates and the detection of precancerous conditions. The study uses registry linkages, SMS communication, laboratory testing, and follow-up referrals to track outcomes. The trial started nationally in 2020 after a pilot phase and continues with annual identification of at-risk women, aiming to increase screening attendance and improve early detection of cervical cancer precursors.

Research Project on Reminders and Self-Sampling Can Increase Participation in Gynecology Cell Sampling - Preventive Examination Against Cervical Cancer.