ASPO Abstracts
Self-sampling for cancer screening is acceptable and feasible for providing early detection to underserved, high-need patients
Category: Early Detection & Risk Prediction
Conference Year: 2022
Abstract Body:
Purpose of the study: To evaluate acceptability and uptake of self-sampled cancer screening tools (cervical: human papillomavirus [HPV] tests; colorectal: fecal immunochemical tests [FIT]) among women in rural, segregated counties in Pennsylvania who were out-of-date with both screenings.Methods: Nine federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) mailed invitation letters to potentially-eligible patients. Eligibility criteria included ages 50-65, female sex, and eligible but out-of-date for both cervical and colorectal cancer screening. The study team randomized participants (1:1) to a control arm (i.e., received a reminder letter to schedule in-clinic screenings) or an intervention arm (i.e., received educational materials and self-sampling tools). Participants in the intervention arm completed and returned the tests to the study lab, and results were communicated back to FQHCs and patients. Participants in both arms completed a baseline survey and a ten-week follow-up survey.Results: To date, 178 FQHC patients have responded to invitation letters. Of these, 43 (24.2%) were eligible and enrolled (control: 22 participants; intervention: 21 participants). On average, participants were 56 years old (SE=0.7), were predominantly non-Hispanic white (95%), and 66% reported an annual household income below $50,000. Of 18 participants in the intervention arm who have completed study procedures, 14 (78%) completed self-sampling for both the HPV test and FIT. Acceptability of self-sampled tests was high, with most participants reporting they were confident in completing the test (HPV: 85%; FIT: 100%), and that it was easy to use (HPV: 100%; FIT: 100%). These participants were interested in self-sampling again the next time they need a screening (HPV: 85%; FIT: 100%). Positivity among returned HPV tests (high-risk HPV types) was 21%, and positivity among returned FIT was 29%.Conclusions: Recruitment is ongoing (estimated completion: December, 2021). Preliminary findings indicate that self-sampling for cervical and colorectal cancer screening is acceptable and feasible. Positive findings on the self-sampled tests were high, suggesting that this population needs access to follow-up services after cancer screening to reduce the burden of cancer.
Keywords: Cancer screening; early detection; underserved populations; cervical cancer; colorectal cancer