Assessing the Burden of Disease: Cervical Cancer Patient Survey
A German online survey exploring patient needs and experiences following abnormal cervical screening results
Challenges
Abnormal Pap/HPV results created prolonged uncertainty for women, often requiring repeated testing and follow-up procedures.
Limited understanding of abnormal screening results added to anxiety and psychological distress.
There was limited German evidence on the real-life psychological burden experienced during recurrent cervical screening diagnostics.
Objectives & Endpoints
Assess the psychological and emotional impact of an abnormal Pap smear and/or positive HPV results among women in Germany.
Understand anxiety, uncertainty and the burden associated with repeated diagnostic procedures.
Explore patients’ needs and willingness for an additional test providing clearer diagnostic information.
Our Approach
Survey Design
The “Impact of Event Scale-Revised”- German Version as well as parts of the Cervical Dysplasia Distress questionnaires were used to evaluate the psychological and emotional burden of recurrent abnormal Pap smears. All measures were based on patients’ responses to a series of targeted questions.
Patient Outreach
Conducted a Germany-wide online patient survey (PODCAD) using digital recruitment channels, including online advertising and by sharing survey link through the prevention and education campaign F*ck Cancer Community on Facebook.
Key Findings
Information Gap: Almost 50% of participants did not know their Pap smear stage, highlighting a significant gap in understanding of screening results.
Demand for Diagnostic Clarity: 98% of participants would undergo additional testing to obtain clearer diagnostic information, with 92.5% willing to pay ≥€50 for greater clarity.
Prolonged Follow-Up: 50% of participants had been affected for >1 year, with almost half having undergone ≥3 follow-up Pap smears.
Business Impact & Outcomes
Diagnostic Value: Highlighted the value patients place on clearer diagnostic information, with potential to reduce prolonged uncertainty and repeated diagnostic cycles.
Quantified Unmet Need: Demonstrated a significant patient need for greater clarity following abnormal cervical screening results.
Published Evidence: Generated patient-centric evidence supporting the need for improved cervical screening and diagnostic pathways.
*Campaign Days Refers to the number of days between the first and last day of survey completions