The American Cancer Society has updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines, which include guidance for self-collection and when to stop screening. The guidelines were published Dec. 4 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
The FDA approved the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer on May 9. A study published June 6 in JAMA Internal Medicine found that mailed self-collection kits improved cervical cancer screening rates among racial or ethnic minority populations.
Here are three things to know about the new guidelines:
- Although in-office, physician-collected cervical specimens remain the preferred method for primary HPV testing, the guidelines now allow for self-collection as an acceptable screening method.
- For patients at an average risk of cervical cancer with consecutive negative results, HPV testing is safe to cease at age 65.
- Screening intervals and repeat testing are recommended depending on individual risk factors and previous test results.
Read the full screening guidelines here.
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