CAH Screen
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cervical screening in women with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
IRAS ID
269848
Contact name
Anna Mitchell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Cervical screening (“smear test”) is offered to women aged 25-64 in the UK to detect pre-cancerous changes in the cervix (neck of the womb) which can be successfully treated to prevent cervical cancer. The uptake of cervical screening nationally is around 71%. It has been established that women with the rare genetic condition Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) have a variety of problems related to sexual function, particularly with painful intercourse. In part this is due to differences in how the vagina develops in these women who are exposed to excess androgens (male type hormones) in utero and potentially throughout life. This results in narrowing or blockage of the vagina and corrective surgery is sometimes required. We hypothesise that this problem with development may also cause barriers to attending for cervical screening in these women, as we have seen in our clinical practice. We intend to survey women with CAH across the UK to establish if indeed their uptake for screening is lower, and any factors contributing to this.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/YH/0378
Date of REC Opinion
13 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion