Randomized Controlled Trial to Study Interventions to Increase Participation in Cervical Cancer Screening Program

Women who don't participate in Swedish cytology screening program are a minority of about 10%, but constitute the majority of those who acquire cervical cancer. Over 50 000 women in the Västra Götalandregion have abstained from participation in the program for at least 2 screening rounds (6 - 10 years, depending om age). We plan to test two promising strategies to increase participation. In a study of two different health policies women who have defaulted are randomised to receiving a telephone call from a midwife, receive an offer of a self-test for HPV or being included in a control group. This is an effectiveness study that should give an answer how participation could be increased and give the basis for a calculation of the costs involved, before decisions can be made about implementing either intervention.