1. [Self-sampling and reminder letters increase participation in the Finnish cervical cancer screening programme].
- Author
-
Virtanen A, Nieminen P, Malila N, Luostarinen T, and Anttila A
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Female, Finland epidemiology, Humans, Middle Aged, Specimen Handling instrumentation, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms epidemiology, Early Detection of Cancer methods, Patient Compliance, Postal Service, Reminder Systems, Self Care, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms prevention & control
- Abstract
Background: Participation rate in the national cervical cancer screening programme is currently less than 70% in Finland. A new potential method of increasing the attendance are self-taken samples for hrHPV-testing., Methods: All cervical cancer screening non-attendees in 22 municipalities received first a reminder letter. Non-attendees after the reminder letter were offered a self-sampling device., Results: Reminder letters increased total participation from 72.6% to 79.9%, and self-sampling tests further to 83.4%. If reminder letters were sent with fixed appointments, participation was significantly higher (30 vs. 14%)., Conclusions: If self-sampling is used after the recommended two invitations, overall screening attendance could reach the desired 80% to 85%.
- Published
- 2013