Self-Collection of the Pap Smear as Agency: A Novel Way to Improve Refractory Low Cervical Cancer Screening Rates in Rural Alabama

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · Sep 16, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way for women to get their Pap smears, which are tests that help detect cervical cancer. The study is comparing a self-collection method, where women do the test themselves, to the traditional method where a healthcare provider performs the test. The goal is to see if self-collection is just as accurate, especially in rural areas of Alabama where cervical cancer screening rates are low.

Women aged 21 to 65 who need routine cervical cancer screening can participate in this trial, but those who have had cervical cancer before, have had a total hysterectomy (which means their uterus and cervix have been removed), or are currently part of another cancer prevention study cannot take part. If you join the study, you will be guided on how to collect your own sample, and you’ll help researchers understand if this method can make it easier for women to get screened.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Female of at least 21 years of age and not over 65 presenting who need routine cervical cancer screening per national guidelines.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • prior history of cervical cancer or a positive Pap smear, have had a total hysterectomy (removal of uterus and cervix), or currently enrolled in any other cancer prevention study.