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.
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.