Improving cervical cancer screening rates: a scoping review of resources and interventions

Cervical cancer mortality can be prevented through early detection with screening methods such as Pap and high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) tests; however, only 81% of women aged 21-65 are up-to-date on screening. Many interventions to increase cervical cancer screening have been implemented, but there is limited understanding about which intervention components are most successful.

We conducted a scoping review of existing literature and available resources for cervical cancer screening interventions to identify gaps in the research. We used t tests and correlations to identify associations among intervention components and effect sizes.

Out of nine studies, the mean overall effect size for interventions was 11.3% increase in Pap testing for cervical cancer screening (range =  - 4-24%). Interventions that included community health workers or one-on-one interaction had the biggest effect size (p < 0.05). No associations with effect size were noted for literacy level, number of intervention components, or targeting by race/ethnicity.

Future interventions may include educational sessions with community health workers or one-on-one patient interaction to improve cervical cancer screening. Further research is needed to establish effect sizes for large-scale interventions and hrHPV screening interventions.