The first FDA-approved at-home cervical cancer screening device recently became available in California.

Why it matters: Cervical cancer is largely preventable, yet 1 in 4 U.S. women aren't up to date on screenings for the disease, per the CDC. Teal Health's goal is to make the testing experience feel less invasive than a Pap smear, which can often cause pain.

Driving the news: The Teal Wand allows people to self-collect a vaginal sample to test for HPV, the virus that causes nearly all cervical cancers.

The big picture: California records about 7.3 cervical cancer cases per 100,000 people every year, slightly under the national rate of 7.5.

• The incidence rate varies among racial groups, however, with Hispanics generally seeing higher figures.
• Nationwide, Black and Indigenous people also experience higher rates of cervical cancer and mortality compared to white women.

"Several studies have shown that the availability of self-screening can boost participation in cervical cancer screening among underscreened persons—a population most likely to benefit in terms of cancer prevention," UCSF obstetrician-gynecologist George F. Sawaya told Axios via email.

• In 2023, cervical cancer screenings in the U.S. remained 14% lower than pre-pandemic levels, per a March journal article.

Yes, but: It's equally critical to ensure those with positive test results get reliable follow-ups and treatment, Sawaya added.

How it works: To take a sample, the wand — similar to a tampon in its dimensions — is inserted into the vagina and deploys a sponge to collect cells from the cervix.

• Once the sponge is extracted, it's placed in a vial and mailed to the lab. Teal medical providers then review the results and follow up via telehealth.
• The kit, which is shipped to your door, is available for purchase online and costs $99 with in-network insurance and $249 via credit card or HSA/FSA payment.

By the numbers: Self-collected samples using the wand have proven to detect cervical precancer 96% of the time, similar to clinician-collected ones, Teal Health's 16-site clinical trials found.

• Eighty-six percent of participants said they'd be more likely to stay up to date with screenings if they could do it at home, per the trials.

What they're saying

Gov. Gavin Newsom's bid to redraw California's congressional seats to create more Democrat-friendly districts has a 22-point advantage in support among the state's voters, Newsom's longtime pollster wrote in an internal memo obtained by Axios.

Why it matters: California's vote this November on what's known as Proposition 50 will have tremendous consequences for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election.

• Democrats likely would gain several California seats in the 2026 midterms — and boost their odds of winning back control of the House of Representatives — if voters in the liberal state pass the measure, which is a response to Republican efforts to gain seats by redistricting in Texas.
• If the proposition fails, it could weaken Newsom ahead of a potential 2028 presidential bid.

By the numbers: David Binder, a prominent Democratic pollster who has long worked for Newsom, found that 57% of California voters backed the redistricting measure, while 35% opposed and 8% were undecided.

• Voters' support appears to have increased as they've learned more about the measure, Binder said: A July survey had found that 51% favored Newsom's redistricting push.
• "Voter trends on this measure closely mirror the presidential election results of November 2024, in which Kamala Harris defeated Donald Trump in California by 58% to 38%," Binder concluded.

Between the lines

🦍 Maka, a 30-year-old Western lowland gorilla at the San Diego Zoo, died Tuesday from a cardiac event.

• It follows the deaths of a beloved polar bear and giraffe last week.

🗳️ San Diego Councilmember Marni von Wilpert announced she was "strongly considering" challenging GOP. Rep. Darrell Issa, whose 48th district is expected to be redrawn through a state Democratic redistricting plan. (Times of San Diego)

🏗️ The 98-year-old California Theatre, which has rotted beyond repair, must be sold or demolished, per the terms of legal settlement between the city and the building's owner. (Union-Tribune)

San Diego's pro soccer teams return to Snapdragon Stadium this weekend, and both games will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with Pride Night giveaways and fan activities.

State of play: San Diego FC, which has the best record in the MLS and sits atop the Western Conference, hosts the Portland Timbers on Saturday at 7:30pm. The club could clinch a playoff spot with a win or tie.

• One the women's side, San Diego Wave FC rose to second place in the NWSL this week and will be looking to extend its five-game unbeaten streak when the club faces Racing Louisville on Sunday at 5pm.
• With dynamic attacking styles, both teams are among the most prolific scorers in their leagues so fans can expect to see some exciting goals.

Car insurance rates in California could rise more sharply with prolonged tariffs, a new projection finds.

By the numbers: The average annual cost of full coverage could jump 7% between June and December if tariffs stay in effect, compared to 4% otherwise, per a new report from insurance-comparison platform Insurify.

• The projected cost is $2,711 with tariffs versus $2,635 without them.

California is not one of the most expensive states for car insurance, and it is among the top 10 where rates are expected to rise the fastest, per the report.

Between the lines: Tariffs affect insurance rates by increasing the costs of imported parts needed for repairs.

• Inflation, accident frequency, and claims due to extreme weather — including the LA County wildfires — can also raise rates.

Go deeper