A new study suggests that home test kits can significantly increase cervical cancer screening rates among underserved populations. Researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center conducted a clinical trial enrolling nearly 2,500 participants who were overdue for cervical cancer screening.
The trial divided the participants into three groups: one group received a phone call with information on cervical cancer screening, another group received a self-collection kit and a follow-up call, and the third group received both. The results showed that participants in the self-collection group had significantly higher screening rates – up to 47% – compared to those who only received a phone call (17%).
The study found that more than 80% of participants who used self-collection kits for screening accepted them well, suggesting that this method may be effective in increasing access to cervical cancer screening. The researchers believe that ready access to self-testing kits could help reduce obstacles to regular screening, such as cost, distance, and mistrust of the healthcare system.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Jane R. Montealegre, notes that “too many women aren’t getting screened for cervical cancer” and that self-collection testing could be a solution to increasing access to screening and reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the US.
Source: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/home-test-kits-boost-screening-cervical-cancer