Study protocol, increasing awareness and early detection in students at risk of gynaecological cancer: feasibility of an online educational and behaviour change intervention

BACKGROUND: Around 2500 teenagers and young adults (TYA) in the UK are diagnosed with cancer each year, many with melanomas or carcinomas. Almost a third are diagnosed via A&E, highlighting the need for earlier detection. Although university students recognise common cancer symptoms, they often miss less obvious ones (e.g. constipation, frequent urination, bloating) and may delay seeking help. Early exposure to cancer information during key life stages, such as university can promote lifelong body awareness and earlier help-seeking. We have created an online behaviour-change intervention for university students, including a gynaecological cancer awareness film and a volitional help sheet to support intention to seek help. The aim is to assess its feasibility and acceptability, explore barriers and enablers to engagement, and refine the intervention ahead of a full UK university rollout. METHODS: We will conduct a 1:1 randomised longitudinal mixed-methods feasibility study with 86 eligible UK university participants (women or anyone at risk of gynaecological cancer, aged 18+). Participants will complete an online gynaecological cancer educational film and/or a volitional help sheet via Qualtrics™. Cancer awareness (YPCAM) and Theory of Planned Behaviour measures will be collected at baseline, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. A subset of the intervention group will take part in semi-structured interviews on barriers and enablers to uptake. Feasibility will be assessed through recruitment and attrition rates, adherence, and study completion. Mean score changes between groups across timepoints will be analysed, adjusting for baseline scores. Interview data will be analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Progression to a full trial requires achieving at least 80% of the recruitment target. DISCUSSION: Findings from this study will show whether the intervention can improve cancer awareness and help-seeking for gynaecological symptoms among TYA. The long-term aim is to use these insights to support wider adoption of cancer awareness initiatives in universities. Providing cancer information early in students' lives may help them establish lasting habits around body awareness and encourage them to share this knowledge with others. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov from 21/08/2025 https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07147283.