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Effectiveness of Human Papillomavirus Self-Collection for Cervical Cancer Screening in Community Outreach Programs
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|October 30, 2025
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection kits are user-friendly and accessible for cervical cancer screening. This method, approved by the FDA, shows promise in reaching underscreened populations and improving screening access.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Public Health
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved self-collected vaginal samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing on May 14, 2024.
- This approval expands access to cervical cancer screening, particularly for underscreened populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of HPV self-collection kits.
- To evaluate community outreach programs targeting underscreened populations in Oregon.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 156 women aged 25-65 through community organizations from October 2024 to June 2025.
- Participants received instructions from pathologists for self-collection using Copan swabs, with samples transferred to ThinPrep media for HPV testing.
- Post-collection surveys evaluated user experience, including ease of use, willingness to recommend, and preference for self-collection over clinician-collected samples.
Main Results:
- All 156 HPV tests were valid, with 10 participants (6.4%) testing positive for high-risk HPV.
- A high percentage of participants (90.7%) found the kit easy to use, and 88.4% would recommend it.
- A significant majority (70.6%) preferred self-collection for future testing due to convenience, comfort, and privacy.
Conclusions:
- HPV self-collection is a practical, user-friendly, and accessible screening option.
- Pathologist-led community outreach can effectively close screening gaps.
- This study marks the first academic center-led implementation of FDA-approved HPV self-collection in US community settings.
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