A cluster randomised trial of strategies to increase cervical screening uptake at first invitation (STRATEGIC)
Kitchener HC., Gittins M., Rivero-Arias O., Tsiachristas A., Cruickshank M., Gray A., Brabin L., Torgerson D., Crosbie EJ., Sargent A., Roberts C.
© Queen’s Printer and Controller of HMSO 2016. Background Falling participation by young women in cervical screening has been observed at a time that has seen an increase in the incidence of cervical cancer in the UK in women aged 90%. Conclusion Women receiving their initial screening invitation frequently delay taking up the offer and the net impact of interventions was small. Timed appointments and SSKs sent to non-attenders at 6 months are likely to be a cost-effective means of increasing uptake and should be considered further. HPV vaccination in the catch-up programme was associated with an increased uptake of cervical screening. Future work should focus on optimising self-sampling in terms of age range, timing of offer for non-attenders and use of urine testing instead of vaginal samples.