Self-Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening in Transmasculine and Nonbinary People.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.
• Screening disparities exist, with transmasculine and nonbinary individuals often being underscreened compared to cisgender women.
• HPV self-sampling is a potential strategy to improve screening rates in underrepresented populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the use of HPV self-sampling as a cervical cancer screening method in transmasculine and nonbinary populations.
• To assess the acceptance and effectiveness of HPV self-sampling in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review of existing literature.
• It synthesizes findings on HPV self-sampling acceptance and adherence in transmasculine and nonbinary individuals.

Main Results:

• HPV self-sampling demonstrates high acceptance among transmasculine and nonbinary individuals, with many preferring it over clinician-collected samples.
• Offering HPV self-sampling options has been shown to increase screening adherence in these populations.
• Preferences for specific self-sampling methods vary.

Conclusions:

• High-risk HPV self-testing is a viable and accepted option for cervical cancer screening in transmasculine and nonbinary patients.
• Further research is needed to refine follow-up protocols and evaluate long-term adherence.
• Clinicians should be comfortable offering HPV self-testing to improve screening equity.