[HPV self-sampling and cervical cancer screening]

Carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infections cause the majority of cervical cancers (CC). While vaccination represents primary prevention, screening remains essential. HPV testing, more sensitive than cytology, is recommended as the primary method in some European countries. Among women aged ≥ 30 years, HPV selfsampling improves access to screening and can increase coverage of underscreened populations by up to 2.5-fold; several countries have adopted this approach. In Switzerland, where screening is opportunistic and only cytology is reimbursed, 30 % of women remain under-or unscreened. Introducing HPV self-sampling for underscreened women could contribute to the goals set by the World Health Organization. This review provides an overview of the situation in Switzerland and Europe regarding CC screening.