Thanks to modern technology women will soon be able to avoid the oh-so invasive and uncomfortable pap smear. A new cervix self-screening that allows you to test for cervical cancer on your own is in the works.
Although you still will have to go to the doctor for your annual OBGYN visit, this option will allow you to skip the in-person pap smear. Pap smears test for abnormal cells on your cervix that are cancerous or have the potential to become cancerous. It’s recommended to have a pap smear every three to five years (depending on your age and preexisting health conditions). This is especially important as Black women in the U.S. have a significantly higher chance of contracting cervical cancer and dying of the disease.
The cervix self-screening is an alternative to a pap screening that allows you to screen for cervical cancer yourself. Here’s the latest about this ground-breaking technology, what it means for women, and its potential impact on cervical cancer screening.
How Does a Cervix Self-Screening Work
Quick, reliable, and effective, cervix self-screenings empower you to test for cervical cancer and the virus that causes it (HPV) on your own time. HPV is extremely common and is easily spread through any form of sexual contact. The screening kit tests for high risk HPV types, and because it is so accurate, if you test negative, you can wait five years for your next screening.
You can take it from the comfort of your home or anywhere you feel safe and comfortable. The self-screening kit gives you simple instructions and a small swab. Rotate the swab inside your vagina for about 20 seconds to collect a sample. Once collected, mail your screening kit back to the lab. In countries outside the U.S. (where self-screenings already exist), results typically arrive in four to six weeks.
What Are the Benefits of a Self-Screening
FDA approved, the new cervix self-screening removes barriers and creates access to cervical cancer screenings. This is especially important since many women do not receive cervical screenings regularly. Oftentimes, women who have never had a cervical screening or not had one recently are the people who test positive for cervical cancer. This new technology will make a huge impact on accessibility for all women.
In addition to cervix self-screenings making testing for cervical cancer easy and convenient, they’re also pain-free. The swab used to collect a sample from your vagina is as small as a Q-tip. The test is also extremely accurate, as it has an extremely high sensitivity to HPV cells.
When Will Self-Screenings Roll Out in the U.S.
Although already available in many countries around the world, cervix self-screenings are not yet available in the U.S. The New York Times reports the tests they could roll out as early as 2025. It all depends on regulatory approval, manufacturing, and distribution logistics. Hopefully, the tech driven culture will move this life-saving innovation forward quickly.