ATLANTA — The American Cancer Society has updated its cervical cancer screening recommendations to include at-home self-swab testing for human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary infection that causes the disease.
The new guidance applies to women ages 25 to 65, offering an additional option to visiting a doctor’s office for a screening exam.
Gynecologist Dr. Jessica Shepherd says the expansion of screening options could play a major role in driving down cervical cancer rates.
“Cervical cancer is one of those only cancers I would say when we think of the reproductive system that really has the ability to be eradicated because of screenings,” she said.
Experts hope the change will improve screening compliance and help detect risk earlier, particularly among women who may delay or avoid in-office exams.
Dr. Shepherd notes there are still challenges, including making sure women younger than 25 who may experience cervical changes continue to receive appropriate care.
However, she says the updated guidelines reflect the low rate of cervical cancer before age 25 and the proven decline in cases since HPV testing became more common.
The FDA approved the first at-home HPV screening device earlier this year. The American Cancer Society says knowing your HPV status and staying on schedule with follow-up testing remains key to reducing cervical cancer risk.
WSB Radio’s Sabrina Cupit contributed to this story.
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