IBMS and BD Launch New Report
In response to disparities in cervical cancer screening, IBMS and BD unveil a report advocating for self-sampling and innovative technologies to ensure equitable access and improve health outcomes
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and BD are proud to announce the launch of our latest report, "Advancing Cervical Cancer Screening: Integrating Self-Sampling and Innovative Technologies for Equitable Access." This timely publication comes at a critical juncture when cervical cancer screening rates in the UK have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many individuals, particularly from underserved communities, experiencing barriers to accessing these vital services. The report is the result of an in-depth roundtable discussion at IBMS, where experts from the profession, industry, commissioners, and key stakeholders convened to address the pressing issues in cervical cancer screening.
Recent statistics indicate that approximately 1 in 4 women in the UK do not attend their cervical screenings, highlighting significant disparities in uptake across different demographic groups. With cervical cancer being the fourth most common cancer in women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, there is an urgent need for innovative approaches to improve access and equity in screening.
The report highlights strategic recommendations to address these disparities and improve outcomes through the adoption of self-sampling and innovative technologies.
Key Findings and Recommendations:
- Disparities in Screening Access:
Despite advancements in cervical cancer prevention, significant barriers to screening persist for underserved communities. The report emphasises the urgent need for innovative strategies to enhance screening rates and outcomes, particularly for high-risk populations. - Implementation of Self-Sampling:
Building on the public's increased acceptance of self-sampling during the COVID-19 pandemic, the report advocates for its integration into existing healthcare interactions to improve accessibility for individuals facing challenges with traditional clinic-based screening. - Equity-Focused Strategies:
The report stresses the importance of designing programmes in collaboration with communities to address socioeconomic barriers. By prioritising high-risk individuals and tailoring communication campaigns, we can work towards equitable cervical cancer elimination. - Operational Considerations:
Successful self-sampling programmes require careful attention to laboratory preparedness, kit distribution, and comprehensive data collection. The report highlights the need to evaluate the reliability of postal services for kit distribution and explore alternative delivery methods. - Broader Implications:
The potential benefits of self-sampling and innovative technologies extend beyond cervical cancer screening to other HPV-related cancers and diseases. The report calls for thorough evaluations of these technologies to ensure that high-risk populations are prioritised in their implementation.
Key Recommendations:
Short Term (1-3 months):
- Develop an optimal model for distribution and collection, evaluating postal service reliability and exploring partnerships with pharmacies for timely access.
- Invest in implementation science to research effective self-sampling programme implementation in diverse populations.
- Ensure quality and accuracy by establishing robust criteria for evaluating self-sampling technologies.
Medium Term (3-12 months):
- Advocate for policy changes that support the integration of self-sampling into national screening programmes.
- Prioritise high-risk populations for initial self-sampling efforts, focusing on those with a history of abnormal smear tests.
- Identify partnership opportunities among healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organisations to create sustainable solutions.
- Develop tailored communication campaigns addressing the diverse needs of various populations.
Long Term (> 1 year):
- Strengthen workforce capacity by investing in training and professional development for cytology professionals.
- Explore innovative technologies, including biomarkers and AI, to enhance cervical cancer screening accuracy and efficiency.
- Continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of self-sampling programmes on health outcomes and health inequalities.
IBMS Chief Executive David Wells commented:
This report represents a crucial step towards equitable cervical cancer prevention. By adopting the outlined recommendations, we can harness the power of self-sampling technologies to increase screening accessibility and improve health outcomes for all.
Dr. Jeff Andrews, board-certified gynecologist and vice president of Medical Affairs for Diagnostic Solutions at BD commented:
Our efforts with the IBMS are to reinforce the important point that the option to self-collect for primary HPV screening can help people with a cervix overcome barriers to potentially life-saving screening, and reach previously underscreened people. Plus, the integration of self-collection with testing for extended genotypes of HPV allows healthcare providers to determine the specific HPV genotype risks and more precisely identify and treat individuals at higher risk for cervical cancer and avoid unnecessary treatments for women at lower risk.
As we stand on the cusp of a pivotal shift in cervical cancer prevention, the "Advancing Cervical Cancer Screening: Integrating Self-Sampling and Innovative Technologies for Equitable Access" report by IBMS and BD lays a blueprint for the future. It not only highlights the critical need for inclusivity and accessibility in screening practices but also sets forth a clear, actionable path toward integrating self-sampling into national healthcare frameworks.
By embracing these innovations and continuing to prioritise high-risk populations, we can significantly improve the screening landscape and make strides towards eliminating cervical cancer disparities. The implementation of these recommendations will result in a more inclusive, effective, and equitable screening process, ultimately transforming the trajectory of cervical cancer prevention and care. This collective effort will require continued collaboration, innovation, and commitment from all stakeholders to ensure that no individual is left behind in our journey towards a healthier future.
The full report is available here and has been distributed to all relevant stakeholders across the government, media, healthcare, and diagnostics sectors.