Summary
Patients’ Recommendations and Observations about Cervical Self-Sampling: Focus Groups with Women, Trans-men and those assigned female at birth
Funder: HDUHB
Women aged 25-64 years are invited for cervical screening every 5 years in Wales. Currently, the main cervical screening test, also known as a smear test, is an ‘in-person’ test at a sexual health clinic or GP practice. The cervical screening (smear) test is not a test for cancer, instead it looks for high-risk types of a common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes most cases of cervical cancer. The virus can cause cell changes over time, which can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. However, regular screening can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by 70%.
Different barriers exist that prevent eligible participants from booking and attending their cervical screening appointments. These include embarrassment, fear of pain, discomfort and shame, childcare responsibilities, inconvenient appointment times, and conflicting priorities. Evidence shows that more than fifty percent of UK invitees, and over 70% of imperfect or never attenders, if given a choice would prefer HPV self-sampling to in-person testing.
Two ways of detecting HPV through self-sampling are currently being trialled and validated in the UK. This project builds on the findings from a recent survey from Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB) which aimed to create a shared decision aid that will support eligible people whether to choose to take an HPV self-sample at home, attend an in-person cervical smear test with their healthcare professional, or not to test at all. The survey undertaken as part of this project revealed several themes which need further exploring.
The focus groups we propose will dive deeper into survey results and help the research team better understand how communication regarding cervical self-sampling can be effectively managed to support choices around screening. clinically significant advantages over current standard surgical practice, then the patient benefits will be immediate, long-standing and widespread, being applicable throughout the NHS and internationally.
To find out more or to register your interest in taking part please click here or contact one of the STU study team.
Dr Claire O’Neill: c.b.c.oneill@swansea.ac.uk
Dr Julie Peconi: j.peconi@swansea.ac.uk
This study has been approved by Swansea University School of Medicine Ethics Committee: Ethics approval number: 2 2024 11645 10864
Contact Details
Trial Manager / Lead Contact: Dr Claire O'Neill
Phone: 01792 602383
Email: c.b.c.oneill@swansea.ac.uk