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In May 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for detecting human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cervical cancers. Both allow individuals to self-collect vaginal samples in a clinical setting, rather than undergoing a traditional pelvic exam.
, Huntsman Cancer Institute investigator and professor in the College of Nursing at the ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ of Utah, walks us through the latest developments in cervical cancer screening.
Why is cervical cancer screening important?
In the United States, there are about 12,000 cases of cervical cancer each year and 4,000 deaths. During screening, we can find from HPV that can be treated to stop the onset of disease. Between screening and vaccination, each one of those cases and deaths can be prevented. It’s a preventable cancer.
What does cervical cancer screening look like?
In a traditional pelvic exam, physicians collect cervical cells using a brush and speculum as part of a Pap smear. Those cells are examined for changes caused by HPV, which can be a sign of precancer. This process, known as , does not reveal whether or not individuals have HPV on its own. A , on the other hand, does detect if the virus is present. This is now the preferred method for testing. Physicians can also administer a co-test, collecting samples for both tests at the same appointment.
How often should women or people with a cervix get screened?
Different organizations have different guidelines. The individuals begin cervical cancer screening at age 25. Between 25 and 65, women and people with cervixes should receive a primary HPV test every five years. The individuals start testing earlier, at age 21. Those guidelines are currently being updated.
What is new about these recently approved methods?
These two new tests allow women to do self-collection in a clinical setting—but, as of yet, not at home. This means that women and persons with a cervix are able to complete cervical cancer screening with the use of a self-collection device via a swab or brush, just as reliably as a clinician collects a sample during a pelvic exam.
Why is self-collection considered an advance in cervical screening?
With the advent of new technology, we are moving away from Pap smears and cytology towards primary HPV testing. Primary HPV testing is the far superior method—and it allows women to collect vaginal samples themselves. This has two key benefits.
One is comfort. Many women and persons with a cervix are uncomfortable with pain caused by the speculum and the intimacy of a pelvic exam.
The other is accessibility. Right now, self-collection does need to be done in a clinical setting. But, in the future, self-collection could be done elsewhere, not just at the doctor’s office. We know that half of cervical cancer cases in the U.S. are among women who have never been screened or who are overdue for cervical cancer screening. Getting more people screened with these updated methods is crucial.
Are these self-collection tests available now?
They have been provisionally approved by the FDA, but there are still additional approvals that need to happen. That work is being done through the , which aims to make cervical cancer screening accessible to everyone who needs it.
Huntsman Cancer Institute is one of 25 cancer centers taking part in a ‘Last Mile’ trial to test the widespread efficacy of self-collection. It’s a very exciting development. We could be part of ultimately eliminating cervical cancer.