Cervical cancer is preventable through regular and adequate screening. The earlier it is detected, the better the treatment. CC Diagnostics is developing a test that is more accurate and six times faster than existing methods. The test detects DNA changes (methylation) at an early stage, is based on a self-collected sample, and is easy to implement in laboratories. This gives women more control over their health and makes screening more accessible.

During the TT Assen, CC Diagnostics investigated whether women were willing and able to self-collect a sample, which of the two self-sampling kits they preferred, how they experienced the process, and whether the laboratory results were of sufficient quality. A total of 75 women participated and shared their opinions. A majority of the participants preferred self-testing over traditional collection methods like the speculum. One of the self-sampling kits was clearly favored due to its intuitive design and sturdy structure. Feedback via tear-off cards and interviews was overwhelmingly positive: 80% felt comfortable and understood the instructions well. The laboratory analysis confirmed that the samples met the technical requirements and were suitable for analysis—a crucial outcome of this study.

Based on these results, CC Diagnostics is focusing on further laboratory validation with larger sample sizes, improving communication and instructions, and conducting in-depth discussions with healthcare stakeholders. They also plan to conduct follow-up tests in other medical settings, in different countries, and at various events to validate the method for a broader target audience.

In collaboration with: TT Festival Assen, Founded, Gemeente Groningen and Gemeente Assen.