Early Detection of Vulval CAncer Through Self-Examination (EDuCATE): Intervention Study (NCT04952961) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Early Detection of Vulval CAncer Through Self-Examination (EDuCATE): Intervention Study
United Kingdom25 participantsStarted 2021-11-04
Plain-language summary
Vulval cancer, while rare, has increased in incidence by 17% since the 1990s. It is strongly associated with age, thus this increasing trend is likely to continue with extended life expectancy. Vulval cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Women with chronic vulval conditions including lichen sclerosus, lichen planus and vulval intraepithelial neoplasia are at increased risk of developing vulval cancer. Most patients are in hospital follow-up, however regular vulval self-examination can pick up lesions earlier. There are no formalised methods of teaching self-examination and no evidence that it is acceptable to women.
The main objective of this study is to pilot an intervention to promote and support vulval self-examination for women at increased risk of vulval cancer including those with lichen sclerosus, lichen planus and vulval intraepithelial neoplasia.
Findings from this feasibility study will inform the design of a randomised trial comparing the interventions versus control with an embedded cost-effectiveness analysis.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Prior diagnosis of a vulval condition with increased risk of malignancy ( lichen sclerosus, lichen planus or vulval intraepithelial neoplasia)
* New diagnosis of a vulval condition with increased risk of malignancy ( lichen sclerosus, lichen planus or vulval intraepithelial neoplasia)
* Must be able to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Inability to consent or complete questionnaires due to cognitive or language issues
* Inability of perform a vulval self-examination due to physical or visual impairments
Note: Those with physical or visual impairments can participate if a dyad is willing to learn how to perform a vulval examination
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in number of self-reported vulval self-examination events