Building the foundations for an organized population-based cervical cancer screening program with primary HPV self-sampling in Catalonia, Spain: findings from a pilot implementation study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

As part of the transition from opportunistic cytology-based screening to an organized, population-based HPV screening program, Catalonia, Spain, launched an implementation pilot in 2021.

Methods

The pilot combined home-based HPV self-sampling with pharmacy-based distribution, coordinated by a screening office using an SMS-based invitation and reminder system, alongside structured follow-up of HPV-positive cases by midwives.

Results

From July 2021 to December 2023, 6,355 women seeking cervical cancer screening were invited to participate in HPV self-sampling via SMS, with high participation (80.9%). Among HPV-positive women (11.8%), compliance with triage cytology was high (98.7%), as with colposcopy referrals when indicated (97.2%). CIN2+ detection rates

SUBMITTER: Peremiquel-Trillas P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12358958 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature