Cervical cancer is the fourth most common
cancer in women worldwide. Screening can reduce both the incidence and mortality of the disease but is often not utilized by lower socioeconomic groups. A systematic review, including studies of interventions to improve breast and
cervical cancer screening uptake, up to 2006, found targeted interventions could be effective. A formal update has been conducted on the effectiveness of interventions to improve the uptake of
cervical cancer screening among lower socioeconomic groups. A systematic computerized literature search was undertaken in June 2016 for relevant papers published since 2006. Data was extracted on study participants, setting, intervention and control using a predefined extraction tool and a full quality assessment was undertaken using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. This update yielded 16 studies of mixed quality, in addition to the 13 studies from the original review. The interventions were categorized into local interventions including HPV
self-testing, lay health advisors, inreach, outreach and mixed, and strategies enhancing attendance within an organized program. This review has found two large, randomized controlled trials for the use of HPV
self-testing to increase cervical screening uptake. Both reviews have found varying success using lay health advisors, with the majority of included papers reporting a statistically significant increase in screening uptake. HPV
self-testing can improve uptake of
cervical cancer screening among lower socioeconomic groups. This is a relatively new method of cervical screening that was not included in the earlier review. The findings of this updated review largely support that of the 2006 review for the use of lay health advisors.