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Self-Screening for Cervical Cancer Offered through a Digital Platform in a Region of British Columbia with Lower
Laurie W Smith1,2, Amy Booth1,3, C Sarai Racey4
1Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada.
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
|September 27, 2024
Summary
Self-screening for cervical cancer via a digital platform showed high acceptability and completion rates in a low-screening region. This approach, using human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, enhances self-care and improves screening uptake.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Public Health
- Digital Health
Background:
- Cervical cancer is a global health issue, despite being preventable.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is superior to cytology for detecting cervical pre-cancer.
- Digital health and self-screening are emerging as key self-care interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the acceptability and completion of digital self-screening for cervical cancer.
- To evaluate a digital platform offering HPV testing for cervical cancer screening in a low-uptake region.
Main Methods:
- Participants received at-home self-screening kits via a digital platform.
- HPV testing was performed on self-collected vaginal samples.
- Acceptability was measured by kit return rates and follow-up attendance.
Main Results:
- A 73% completion rate was observed among 283 participants sent kits (207 returned).
- 15 out of 202 valid samples tested HPV-positive, with 93% attending recommended follow-up.
- Participants found the digital platform easy to use, informative, secure, and were satisfied with online results.
Conclusions:
- Digital self-screening for cervical cancer demonstrates high acceptability and completion rates.
- This approach can enhance equity and improve screening uptake, especially in underserved populations.
- Participants expressed willingness to self-screen again, supporting future implementation.
