Remote Resilience: Novel Applications of mHealth in Nicaragua's Cancer Control Program

Cervical cancer, a preventable cancer of disparities, is the primary cause of cancer death for women in Nicaragua. The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted an elimination strategy for cervical cancer within the next 100 years, and outlined specific targets to meet by 2030: vaccination (90% of girls before age 15); screening/early detection (70% of women get a high-quality screen by 35 and again at 45); and treatment (90% of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions treated). As the majority of the burden of cervical cancer exists in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), significant research into the development, implementation, and cost-effectiveness of community-based cervical cancer screening models using HPV primary screening has developed a strong evidence-base for the acceptability and feasibility of this modality. However, significant geographic variability exists in successfully improving patient health outcomes and preventing cervical cancer, particularly in rural and remote geographic areas. In Nicaragua, significant intra-country variability exists in terms of yearly participation in cervical cancer screening by eligible women, and likelihood of lifetime screening, depending on geographic region. There is a demonstrated need for culturally tailored, regionally specific innovations in evidence-based HPV primary cervical screening programs. Researchers at the University of Virginia have worked with community partner non-governmental organization Fundacion Movicancer over the past several years to develop and create an mHealth platform that combines: (1) a patient-centered mobile application (app) called "Azulado" with (2) a provider-focused portal, as well as integration of the provider-focused portal with the (3) National Cervical Cancer Surveillance System (SIVIPCAN).