Screening Course for download

Cervical cancer screening is undergoing significant transformation worldwide, driven by advances in HPV-based testing, self-sampling strategies, and the widespread implementation of HPV vaccination programs. Despite these innovations, many screening programmes face challenges adapting to new evidence, managing quality assurance, and addressing the needs of diverse populations such as vaccinated individuals and immunocompromised groups.

To guide healthcare providers to confidently implement and interpret HPV screening methods and follow evolving clinical guidelines, in June 2025 the RISCC consortium developed Evidence-Based Approaches to HPV Screening Implementation, a comprehensive 33-hour free course peer-reviewed by leading experts in the field. The course materials are now available on the project website for use by healthcare professionals and for future training purposes under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0).

Objectives

To enhance knowledge and practical skills of healthcare professionals and programme managers in implementing HPV-based cervical cancer screening, managing positive cases, and effectively reaching diverse populations through innovative approaches like self-sampling.

Content

The course combines evidence-based theoretical content, peer-reviewed by experts, with practical learning activities designed to enhance knowledge and skills in cervical cancer prevention and screening. The course uses the following modular structure, allowing participants to progress through thematic units:

  • M5- Use of self-sampling (PDF)
  • Duration: 2.5 hrs / Authors: Raquel Ibáñez & Silvia de Sanjosé / Reviewers: Marc Arbyn, Federica Inturrisi & Chris Meijer

Accordingly, it provides a comprehensive overview of cervical cancer biology and prevention through HPV-based screening. It covers the clinical management of individuals with positive screening results and examines the role of self-sampling in improving access to screening services. Special attention is given to screening approaches in populations such as immunosuppressed individuals and those vaccinated against HPV. Finally, the course outlines essential considerations for the effective implementation of cervical cancer screening programmes.

Scientific Direction:

  • Laia Bruni, Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO)
  • Silvia de Sanjosé, US National Cancer Institute and ISGlobal

Recipients

The targeted audience includes:

  • Gynecologists and colposcopists directly involved in cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up
  • Nurses and midwives participating in screening, patient education, and follow-up care
  • Primary care physicians, including general practitioners and family doctors, who counsel patients and facilitate screening referrals
  • Public health professionals and programme managers involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of cervical cancer screening programmes
  • Laboratory personnel and technicians working with HPV testing and quality assurance
  • Epidemiologists and researchers focused on HPV, cervical cancer prevention, and screening effectiveness

The content was developed within the framework of the RISCC project (Risk-based Screening for Cervical Cancer), funded by the European Union’s H2020 Program (Grant number 847845). Evidence originating from the project is explicitly highlighted throughout the course.

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DISCLAIMER: The information and views expressed in this course material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission. The Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.

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