Cervical Cancer Screening Based on First-void Urine Self-sampling to Reach un(Der)-Screened Women: ScreenUrSelf Trial

Patient: In this population-based study we target real un(der)-screened women, i.e., women (31-64y) eligible for the Flemish population-based cervical cancer screening program without any cytology/histology/pathological result retrieved from the Belgian Cancer Registry (BCR) for at least the last six years (i.e., two screening rounds). Women who opted out of the screening program, who are pregnant (self-reported), underwent total hysterectomy, have (had) cervical or uterine cancer, or are included in other Centre for Cancer Detection (CvKO) pilot projects are not eligible.

Intervention: The proposed randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be embedded in the Flemish organized cervical cancer screening program, which is coordinated by CvKO under governance of the Flemish government. The goal is to reach women who are eligible but do not participate in cervical cancer screening, by offering two self-sampling methods (first-void urine and vaginal) in an opt-in and -out strategy (total of four interventions) to collect samples for primary high-risk (hr) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing, and if positive, reflex 1) cytology on a Pap smear (standard of care) and 2) methylation marker triage (index test).

Comparison: The two control arms include 1) no intervention; and 2) sending (recall) invitation letters to women, inviting them to make an appointment for a Pap smear (i.e., current practise within the organized cervical cancer screening program in Flanders).

Primary outcome: The primary outcome is the actual response rate, i.e., proportions of women that participate in each intervention and in the control arms at 12 months after initiation of the intervention (the intervention being one of six study arms). Response in this project is defined as having a preventive cervical screen exam, either by a self-sample or by a physician-taken Pap smear, at 12 months after initiation of the intervention.

Inclusion criteria

• Eligible for cervical cancer screening within the organized Population-based Screening Program in Flanders:

• Female
• Residing in Flanders, Belgium
• Not actively opted out of the organized cervical cancer screening program
• No history of total hysterectomy (data available since 2002)
• No (former) diagnosis of cervical or uterine cancer (data available as of 2008)
• Not included in other CvKO pilot projects
• No cervical result registered in the cytohistopathological register of BCR and no information in the administrative data from health insurance companies (IMA) on PAP smears taken for at least the last 6 years (i.e., two screening rounds)
• 31-64 years old (birth year 1959-1992)

Exclusion criteria

• Being pregnant or 6 weeks postpartum (self-reported after receiving the study letter/package)
• Participation during menstruation or within the 3 following days is a contraindication
• Not able to understand the study materials and participation form (informed consent form)