[Self-sampling and reminder letters increase participation in the Finnish cervical cancer screening programme].
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%.
HYKS, naistentautien klinikka.
Anni
A
Virtanen
Pekka
P
Nieminen
Nea
N
Malila
Tapio
T
Luostarinen
Ahti
A
Anttila
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011177:Postal Service; D017010:Reminder Systems; D012648:Self Care; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*