Mobile Outreach Screening of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in Women with Limited Access to Health Services in Seine-Saint-Denis (greater Paris Area, France)
This study is looking at an easy way to check for a virus called HPV, which can cause cervical cancer. It's for women aged 30 to 65 in deprived areas of Paris who might not typically get to a doctor or clinic. A special "health bus" visits these areas, offering a simple self-test for HPV. You can collect a sample yourself using a swab, and get quick results. If HPV is found, the study team will help you find a doctor and get any follow-up care you need. The goal is to make cervical cancer screening more accessible and help prevent this disease for women who face hurdles to healthcare.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is happening in some areas of Paris where women might find it difficult to get regular health check-ups. The main purpose is to test a new way of checking for a common virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Some types of HPV can cause changes in the body that might lead to cervical cancer over time. Regular checks are important to find these changes early, but for various reasons, some women don't get them.
To make it easier, a special 'health bus' visits these communities. On the bus, women aged 30 to 65 are invited to do a simple self-test. This involves taking a swab yourself, which is easy to do and less daunting than a traditional clinic visit. The test quickly checks for high-risk HPV. The aim is to help prevent cervical cancer by making screening more convenient and accessible, especially for women who might not usually go to a doctor.
If the test shows you have HPV, the study team won't treat you directly, but they will be there to explain what it means and help you connect with a local doctor or clinic. They will guide you through the next steps to make sure you get the care and support you need. This study is all about making healthcare simpler and more available to everyone.
Key takeaways
- Targets women aged 30-65 in Parisian areas with limited healthcare access.
- Uses a 'health bus' for easy, community-based HPV screening.
- You take your own sample using a simple swab (self-sampling).
- Provides quick HPV test results on the bus.
- If HPV is found, you get guidance to find a doctor for follow-up care.
- Aims to make cervical cancer prevention more accessible and reduce health inequalities.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women aged between 30 and 65 years old. This age range is important because cervical cancer screening is usually recommended for women in this group.
You might be able to join if you live in specific disadvantaged areas of Paris and face challenges in getting to regular healthcare appointments. This could include women living in temporary housing, recent immigrants (whether documented or not), or those who feel isolated or marginalised from healthcare services. You would also need to be covered by French social security or a program for undocumented immigrants called Aide Médicale d'Etat.
However, you cannot join if you've already had a cervical cancer screen (like a smear test) in the last three years, or an HPV test in the last five years. You also can't take part if you are on your period, pregnant (in the second or third trimester), have had your entire womb removed (total hysterectomy), or are under legal guardianship. The study needs to make sure the results are clear, so if you don't have a vagina for accurate sampling, you wouldn't be able to join either.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a woman between 30 and 65 years old?
- Do you live in the Seine-Saint-Denis area of Paris and find it hard to see a doctor for health checks?
- Have you not had a cervical smear test in the last 3 years or an HPV test in the last 5 years?
- Are you not currently on your period, pregnant (in late stages), or had your womb removed?
- Are you able to give your informed consent to take part?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will visit the 'health bus' in your local area. The main step involves doing a simple self-test for HPV. This means you will be shown how to gently collect a sample yourself using a small swab, similar to a cotton bud, from your vagina. This process is usually quick and straightforward. You'll also be asked to provide your free and informed written consent before doing anything.
After you have collected your sample, it will be tested on the bus for high-risk HPV. This type of test gives quick results. If your test shows HPV, the study team will talk to you about it and help you find a healthcare professional, like a local doctor or clinic, to discuss what happens next. They won't provide medical treatment themselves, but they will offer guidance to ensure you get the follow-up care you need. The study will last for one visit to the bus, but follow-up care for an HPV positive result would be with your chosen healthcare professional.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Hopital AvicenneVerified postcodeBobigny, France
Common questions
What is HPV?
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a very common virus. Some types can cause cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer if not found and treated early.
What is a self-sampling test?
A self-sampling test means you collect a sample yourself using a soft swab, usually from your vagina. It's a simple and private way to get tested for HPV.
What happens if I test positive for HPV?
If your test is positive for high-risk HPV, the study team will help you understand what it means and connect you with a doctor for further check-ups and advice.
Is the bus confidential?
Yes, all your personal information and test results will be kept private and confidential, just like at any other healthcare setting.
Do I have to pay to take part?
No, taking part in this study, including the HPV test, is completely free of charge.
How to find out more
KARINE AMAT
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.