EMPOWHPVR: exploring the factors that impact HPV self-sampling uptake amongst Black women and people with a cervix in Peel region, Ontario - a qualitative study protocol

Introduction Every 2 minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer, resulting in over 300 000 preventable deaths globally. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and are preventable with HPV vaccination and screening through Papanicolaou (Pap) and HPV tests.

In Canada, cervical cancer mortality rates have declined in recent decades with more accessible cervical cancer screening programmes. However, screening rates remain low, particularly among Black women and people with a cervix (WPC).

Cervical cancer screening studies of Black WPC in Ontario—Canada’s most populous province—are limited. These studies indicate Black WPCs are at elevated risk for under-screening, with many overdue for screening.

An innovative approach to begin addressing delays is HPV self-sampling (HPVSS). Self-sampling is a cost-effective and more accurate test for detecting high-risk HPV infections associated with precancerous changes versus the Pap test.

Self-sampling supports Canada’s action plan—a response to WHO’s global strategy—to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. Despite Canada’s plan, research on the state of Black WPCs’ HPV knowledge and self-sampling interventions tailored to them is scant.