Targeting under-screened women in cervical cancer: combining self-sampling and human papillomavirus testing with a strategic reminder plan.

ABSTRACT: Cervical cancer (CC) screening is essential for reducing its incidence, yet engaging under-screened women remains challenging. Self-sampling has emerged as a promising solution to enhance attendance; however, its integration into programmes has proven difficult. This study evaluated a multimodal approach combining self-sampling, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, and personalized contact to reach women not attending conventional CC screening. To achieve this, 801 women aged 30-59 who had not participated in Portugal's Central Region CC screening programme for more than 4 years were selected based on specific criteria. Of these, 114 women were excluded for not meeting eligibility criteria, resulting in 687 eligible participants. Using an 'opt-in' approach, women who consented to participat

SUBMITTER: Pereira SDG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12529258 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature