Introduction

Cervical cancer is a major health issue in Singapore, with only 43% of women getting screened, far below the 70% target. In 2019, HPV DNA testing was added to the screening program, but many women avoid it due to feelings of embarrassment, privacy concerns, and discomfort with clinician sampling. Self-sampling for HPV DNA testing could offer a more private and convenient option.

Study Purpose

This study aims to see how self-sampling affects screening participation, health outcomes, and costs in primary care settings.

Methods

In this trial, 650 women aged 30-69 due for cervical cancer screening will be recruited from clinics in Singapore. They will be randomly assigned to two groups: one that offers both self-sampling and clinician sampling, and another that only offers clinician sampling. We will measure how many women in each group are found to have high-risk HPV.

Key Outcomes

The number of women detected with high-risk HPV.
The percentage of women who get screened.
The number of women referred for further examination.
Cost-effectiveness of the self-sampling method.
Women’s acceptability and ease of self-sampling through questionnaires.

Ethics and Sharing Results

The study has been approved by the relevant ethical board. Results will be published in scientific journals, presented at healthcare conferences, and shared with policymakers to support the potential inclusion of self-sampling in the national screening program.

Impact and Opportunities

The findings from this study could lead to increased screening rates and improved public health outcomes in Singapore. By identifying measurable outcomes and setting clear goals, we can better understand the benefits of different testing methods.

Next Steps

We recommend starting with a pilot project that uses AI tools to track results from this study. For more information on implementing AI in healthcare, feel free to contact us on our channels.