Self-collection added to cervical cancer guidance
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Women at age 30 can start collecting their own vaginal sample for cervical cancer screening at a physician's office and forego Pap smears, a national health advisory panel said on Tuesday.
Why it matters: The draft guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force marks the first time self-collection for human papillomavirus has been recommended, and it's expected to increase screening rates.
- Recommendations from the task force not only influence the practice of medicine but also what insurers have to cover.
- "Women who would be more comfortable collecting their HPV test sample themselves can now do so," task force member Esa Davis said in a statement.
Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, and studies have shown a test for HPV is optimal for women ages 30 to 65 years old, per the task force.
- "Evidence shows that screening with an HPV test every five years provides the best balance of benefits and harms for women ages 30 to 65, meaning it helps detect the early signs of cervical cancer with fewer harms, like unnecessary follow up tests and procedures," the task force said in a statement.
Getting a pap smear, doing an HPV test or both still are recommended as good options for women within that age range, the task force said.
- The task force also still recommends pap tests every three years for women in their 20s.
- It recommends against screening women younger than 21, those older than 65 who have had regular screenings with normal results, and women of any age who have had a total hysterectomy.
The recommendations are not final, because the task force still is accepting public comments on the change.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show the new recommendations may allow women to forego a Pap smear (not a pelvic exam.)
