American Cancer Society backs women collecting their own samples for cervical cancer screenings

"The update supports women collecting their own vaginal specimens for human papillomavirus testing, marking a major shift in U.S. screening practices. They can do it at home or at a doctor's office. "It could be more convenient because you can do it at home. You don't have to feel like you're being traumatized," said Dr. La Tanya Hines, an OB-GYN with Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw. "Some people do have significant history with, unfortunately, gynecological exams.""

"The American Cancer Society said screening for cervical cancer should start at age 25 if you're at average risk and continue until age 65. Women should do it every three to five years depending on the test. To cease HPV screening, the new guidelines require more stringent criteria, including a history of negative test results. "They need to be negative for HPV and that you have no other symptomatic issues there. If that's true, no more pap smears after age 65," said Hines."

Women can collect their own vaginal specimens for HPV testing either at home or in a clinic. Self-collection can increase convenience, reduce trauma for those with difficult histories of gynecological exams, and improve access for people who cannot reach a doctor or who have demanding work schedules. Screening should begin at age 25 for average-risk individuals and continue until age 65, with intervals of every three to five years depending on the test. Ending HPV screening requires documented negative results and no symptomatic issues. Follow-up care is essential after any abnormal result. Cervical cancer incidence and mortality remain significant, with roughly 13,000 new cases and 4,000 deaths annually.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles