RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Using Artificial Intelligence-based ChatBot to Improve Women's Participation to Cervical Cancer Screening Programme

This study in France is looking at new ways to help women get screened for cervical cancer. Currently, not enough women are taking up the offer of home HPV test kits, especially those with lower incomes or less education. This project is trying to improve those numbers. Researchers are seeing if sending HPV home test kits, along with access to a special online chatbot, can make a difference. The chatbot will offer easy-to-understand information about cervical cancer and screening in different languages. The goal is to figure out if this approach helps more women understand why screening is important and encourages them to take part, ultimately improving their health outcomes. It also looks at how women who test positive are then managed.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

International Agency for Research on Cancer

Enrolment target

3,000

Start

03 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

18 Aug 2026

Cervical Cancer Screening Cervical Cancer

What is this study about?

Cervical cancer screening is really important for women's health. It helps to find early changes in the body that could lead to cancer, making it much easier to treat. In France, just like in the UK, women are invited for regular cervical screening tests. However, some women don't attend these appointments, or don't use the home testing kits that are offered, meaning they miss out on this vital health check.

This study wants to understand why some women don't get screened and how to make it easier for them to take part. Researchers have noticed that women with lower incomes or less education might face more challenges in getting screened. They might not have all the information they need, or they might have concerns that stop them from participating. This project is trying something new to help overcome these issues.

The main idea is to send out HPV home testing kits to women. But importantly, this study also offers a special online chatbot, which is like a computer program you can chat with, through mobile phones. This chatbot can provide clear, easy-to-understand information about cervical cancer and screening in different languages. It's designed to help women understand why screening matters and what their options are, so they can make informed decisions about their health. Ultimately, the hope is that this new approach will encourage more women to get screened and improve how those who test positive are looked after.

Key takeaways

This study uses a chatbot to help more women in France get screened for cervical cancer.
It aims to make home HPV testing kits more widely used.
The chatbot provides clear health information, especially for women with less schooling.
Participation involves receiving a home test kit and access to the chatbot.
The goal is to improve health outcomes by boosting screening rates.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be a woman between 30 and 65 years old. You would also need to live in certain areas of the Occitanie region in France that are considered more deprived. A key part of the study is that you haven't had a Pap test (a type of cervical screening) in the last four years, and you didn't respond to an earlier official letter inviting you for a cervical screening test.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are outside the age range of 30-65 years, or if you've had a Pap test within the last three years. If you've had a hysterectomy that included removing your cervix, or if you are pregnant, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you've already made an appointment for screening, or just had one, or if you're currently being investigated or treated for any cervical problem, you wouldn't be eligible.

Finally, if you were part of an earlier test run (pilot) of this study, you wouldn't be able to join this main study. These rules help make sure the study includes the right women and provides accurate results.

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 a specific deprived area in Occitanie, France?
Have you not had a Pap test in the last 4 years?
Did you not respond to a previous invitation for cervical screening?
Are you not currently pregnant or being treated for a cervical problem?
Have you not had a hysterectomy that removed your cervix?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study aims to encourage women to use a home HPV self-sampling kit. If you take part, you would receive this kit at home. You would also have access to a special online chatbot through your mobile phone or other devices. This chatbot is designed to give you clear information about cervical cancer and screening. The study will look at whether providing this chatbot and the home test kit encourages more women to complete the screening. There are no extra visits or assessments involved beyond using the home kit and potentially interacting with the chatbot.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that you would receive information about cervical cancer screening in an easy-to-understand way, and have access to a home HPV test kit, which could help you get screened if you haven't recently. This could lead to earlier detection of any potential issues, which is important for your health. As this project mainly involves information and a home test, there are no significant medical risks. You are completely free to decide if you want to take part or not, and you can change your mind at any point without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Centre Régional de Coordination des Dépistages des Cancers-Centre d'Occitanie
City only
Carcassone, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is HPV self-sampling?

HPV self-sampling means you can collect a sample yourself at home using a special kit, rather than needing a doctor or nurse to do it for you. This sample is then sent to a lab to check for the HPV virus, which can cause cervical changes.

What is a chatbot?

A chatbot is a computer program that you can talk to, usually by typing messages, on your phone or computer. It's designed to answer questions and provide information, like a virtual assistant.

Will my personal information be kept private?

The researchers will protect your personal information carefully, following strict rules. Your data will be used for study purposes only and kept confidential.

Do I have to pay to take part in this study?

No, you do not have to pay to take part in this study. The home self-sampling kit and access to the chatbot are provided as part of the research.

What happens if I test positive for HPV?

The study will also look at how women who test positive are then contacted and supported. If you receive a positive result, you would be contacted with information about the next steps and recommended follow-up care, just like with standard screening procedures.

How to find out more

Farida Selmouni, Dr

selmounif@iarc.who.int + 33 4 72 73 84 99 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.