In-Clinic Self-swab for Human Papillomavirus Offers New Option for Cervical Cancer Screening.

Abstract

Despite widespread availability of cervical cancer screening to prevent cervical cancer, approximately 14,000 women and people with cervixes in the United States are diagnosed as having invasive cervical cancer each year. At highest risk are those who have never been screened or who are overdue for screening. In May 2024, the Food and Drug Administration approved a self-test for human papillomavirus (HPV) for use in clinical settings. An HPV self-test, collected by patients themselves as a vaginal swab, offers a new option for cervical cancer screening that reduces barriers by eliminating the need for a pelvic examination by a health care provider. We present specifications of two tests and discuss factors to consider in preparing for clinical practice implementation once HPV self-tests are integrated into cervical cancer screening guidelines.