Implementing High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Self-Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening in Ghana: A Study (CarciSCAN)...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) targets cervical cancer elimination by 2030.
• Low-resource settings face challenges in implementing cervical cancer screening due to healthcare and awareness barriers.
• High-risk Human Papillomavirus (hrHPV) self-sampling shows promise for increased acceptability and accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy of an hrHPV self-sampling cervical cancer screening program in Ghana.
• To assess the feasibility and impact of self-sampling in a low-resource setting.
• To inform strategies for broader implementation of cervical cancer screening.

Main Methods:

• 1000 non-pregnant women aged 30-65 will self-collect hrHPV samples.
• hrHPV positive results will be followed by visual inspection with acetic acid and potential treatment.
• Follow-up includes repeat hrHPV self-sampling or referral for advanced care.

Main Results:

• The primary outcome is the proportion of women successfully screened with a valid hrHPV test.
• Secondary outcomes include screening uptake, disease detection, treatment acceptance, and follow-up rates.
• The study aims to provide data on the effectiveness of hrHPV self-sampling in Ghana.

Conclusions:

• hrHPV self-sampling is an accessible method to improve cervical cancer screening uptake in low-resource settings.
• This study will contribute to achieving the WHO's cervical cancer elimination goal.
• Findings will guide the implementation of scalable screening programs.