A US health panel has recommended expanding access to self-testing for cervical cancer, allowing women to collect their own samples for the HPV test, a key screening tool for detecting the virus linked to the disease.
The recommendation, issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, advises that women aged 30 to 65 be allowed to undergo the human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years. The test can be performed using samples collected by a healthcare provider or by the women themselves.
This move aims to increase screening rates, providing a more accessible option for women who may face barriers to in-person testing. The expanded access is expected to improve early detection and reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, which is preventable with regular screenings.
Additionally, women can continue to opt for the traditional Pap test, which should be done every three years. Currently, HPV tests are only available in healthcare settings, but this shift could make at-home testing a reality in the future.
The panel’s decision is seen as a significant step in promoting proactive health measures, with experts hoping it will empower more women to undergo regular screenings, ultimately leading to earlier detection and better outcomes in the fight against cervical cancer.
Source: AP
