New Ways to Check for Cervical Cancer: What You Need to Know

Women Have More Choices Now

• Self-swab HPV test is easier and less invasive than the old Pap test.
• American Cancer Society says this change could help more women get checked regularly.

Why HPV Testing Matters

• HPV (human papillomavirus) is linked to almost all cervical cancers.
• Testing for HPV is now the preferred way to screen for cervical cancer.

The Old vs. The New

• Old Pap test: Involved a speculum exam, which many women found uncomfortable.
• New self-swab test: Women can collect their own sample in a doctor's office or even at home.

FDA Approved Tests

• Three self-administered HPV tests have been approved by the FDA.
• One test can be done at home and mailed to a lab for analysis.

The Impact on Cervical Cancer Rates

• Rates have been dropping in the U.S. since the 1970s due to better screening and the HPV vaccine.
• Many women aren't up to date on their screenings. The self-swab test could change that.

Screening Recommendations

• HPV testing every 5 years is recommended by both the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
• If the test is positive, more testing will follow.
• Women can use a Pap test every 3 years or both methods every 5 years.

When to Start and Stop Screening

• Start screening:
• American Cancer Society: Age 25
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Age 30
• Stop screening:
• If a woman has had consistent negative results for at least 10 years, she can stop at age 65.

Future of Screening

• Experts think screening intervals might get longer in highly vaccinated populations.
• In the future, screening every 10 years might be enough.
• The U.S. is behind on this and more needs to be done to catch up.