The Health Resources and Services Administration has updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines to include self-collection, aligning with recent guideline updates from the American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
The HRSA’s guidelines include language requiring most insurance plans to cover additional testing needed to complete the screening process beginning Jan. 1, 2027, according to a Jan. 5 news release from the agency.
Pap tests will continue to be recommended for women of average risk ages 21-29, while high-risk human papillomavirus — whether collected by a physician or patient — is recommended for women of average risk ages 30-65.
The American Cancer Society updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines, including recommendations for self-collection and providing clearer guidance on when to safely discontinue screening, in December 2025, while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in December 2024 published cervical cancer screening recommendations that included self-collection.
Thirteen leaders in oncology and gynecology recently shared with Becker’s their reactions to self-collection guidelines, including how the change may influence screening rates.
Read the HRSA’s full guidelines here.
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