Ameliorated Pap Tests and Cervical Cancer Screening Participation

The Pap test plays a crucial role in the early detection of cervical cancer. A pilot single-center randomized controlled trial applied the peak-end concept and added a non-painful step at the end of Pap smear screening, aimed to reduce recalled pain. However, there is still no multicenter study investigating the effect of the modified Pap test on cervical cancer screening participation. The present project is the first multicenter randomized controlled trial to expand the current scope of the peak-end theory into Pap tests and cervical cancer screening participation by adding a non-painful step at the end of Pap smear screening. Our multidisciplinary team (NTUH Pap Study Group) aims to provide innovative, feasible, and low-cost strategies for cervical cancer screening participation.

Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged 25 or above Exclusion Criteria: * Ongoing menstruation * Pregnancy * Incapability of understanding the numeric pain scales * Any active cancer at study entry (defined as cancer diagnosed or treated within the previous 6 months, recurrent, regionally advanced or metastatic cancer) * Previous hysterectomy, pelvic surgery, or radiotherapy * Active vaginal or uterus infection * Analgesic use within 24 hours