On May 14, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new uses for human papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing kits. For the first time, patients can now collect their own samples for testing in a healthcare setting if a doctor cannot collect a cervical sample. This decision makes it easier for more people to get tested and is a huge step toward increasing cervical cancer screening rates.
Why do HPV tests matter?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. Certain types of HPV are more dangerous and can lead to pre-cancer or cancer if they are not treated.
That’s why testing for HPV is so important: It helps find the virus early, so doctors can take action before it causes serious problems.
Even with medical advances, many people in the U.S. still aren’t getting screened for cervical cancer. In 2021, only 72.4% of eligible women aged 21 to 65 were up to date with their screening, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The rates were even lower for Hispanic women (67.9%) and non-Hispanic Black women (71.6%).
How are HPV self-testing kits helpful?
Many things stop people from getting tested for HPV, such as not having a doctor nearby, the cost of care, fear of the results, or not having enough time or transportation. The new self-collection methods can help solve these problems by letting people collect their own samples. This option is especially helpful for those who may feel uncomfortable with or are unable to have a traditional pelvic exam.
Studies from the NCI’s Self-Collection of HPV Testing to Improve Cervical Cancer Prevention (SHIP) Trial Network show that self-collection makes testing less stressful for patients. Many people report feeling more comfortable and in control when they collect their own samples. This method is especially helpful for people who have experienced trauma or abuse, who are often less likely to get screened through traditional methods.
In order to make sure this method of testing is effective, the SHIP Trial Network started testing how accurate self-collected samples are compared to samples collected by doctors just last year. It also asks participants if they prefer self-collection and if it makes screening easier for them. The trial is being done at 25 sites across the U.S., with a focus on including people from different racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
More accessible HPV testing means better cervical cancer prevention
Self-collection has the potential to help many people who are not getting screened now. Almost 30% of eligible people in the U.S. don’t get regular cervical cancer screenings.
Additionally, far fewer people than recommended are getting HPV vaccines, which provide nearly 100% protection against cancer-causing types of HPV. Unfortunately, most cervical cancer cases happen in people who have never been screened or are not screened often enough. By making testing easier and more private, self-testing can help save lives.
The approval of self-collection for HPV testing is an important step in preventing cervical cancer. As more research is done and guidelines are updated, this method could help more people get tested and lower the rates of cervical cancer. With self-collection, more people can take charge of their health and reduce their risk of cervical cancer, no matter their situation.
More information on HPV tests and cervical cancer screenings—and when to get them—can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.