The American Cancer Society (ACS) has issued new cervical cancer screening recommendations that introduce the option for women at average risk to conduct human papillomavirus (HPV) testing at home.
These updates align with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval, in May, of the first at-home HPV screening test created by Teal Health. This development provides an alternative pathway for individuals who prefer not to undergo the traditional screening method in clinical settings.
The approved test relies on a self-collected vaginal swab, allowing users to avoid the standard speculum-based examination performed in medical offices. Once the swab is collected, it must be sent to a certified laboratory where testing for HPV is carried out. The ACS has noted that speculum exams may be uncomfortable or even painful for some patients, which has contributed to lower participation in routine screening.
Earlier this year, Dr. Diane Harper of the University of Michigan, who has evaluated vaginal swab effectiveness, stated, “Half of the women in the U.S. who have cervical cancer did not undergo a screening test in the past ten years.”
The updated recommendations, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, describe how at-home screening fits within existing protocols. Although speculum-based exams conducted in clinics remain the preferred method, the ACS notes that self-collected vaginal samples are considered acceptable.
According to the new guidelines, when an at-home test result is negative for HPV, individuals should repeat the screening after three years. By comparison, those who receive negative HPV results from clinic-based speculum exams should undergo repeat testing every five years.
The organization advises that cervical cancer screening should begin at age 25 for those at average risk. From that point forward, the ACS recommends primary HPV testing, meaning testing for high-risk HPV strains, every five years through age 65. Screening may be discontinued at age 65 if recent results have consistently been negative.
Co-author Dr. Robert Smith, senior vice president of the ACS, said in a statement that the updated guidelines were developed to help increase screening participation and lower the overall risk of cervical cancer.
The ACS reports that cervical cancer screening programs have reduced the incidence of the disease by more than half since the mid-1970s. Despite these gains, more than 13,000 cervical cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year, and more than 4,000 deaths are anticipated.
The updated guidance also acknowledges additional available testing options. A vaginal swab test produced by Roche for use by patients in medical offices received FDA approval in May 2024. The guideline authors further noted that HPV vaccination, including Merck’s Gardasil when given before age 17, is associated with a 90% reduction in the risk of developing cervical cancer.
This expanded set of screening tools and preventive measures outlines multiple pathways for individuals to maintain regular testing and reduce their likelihood of developing cervical cancer while following ACS recommendations.
American Cancer Society Updates Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines to Include At-Home HPV Testing
The American Cancer Society has announced a significant update to its cervical cancer screening guidelines, marking a major shift toward more accessible and patient-centered care. For the first time, the guidelines officially include at-home HPV Testing, offering a convenient alternative for individuals who may struggle to access traditional clinic-based screening.
This update reflects growing evidence showing that self-collected samples for HPV Testing can be just as accurate as clinician-collected samples. By expanding screening options, the American Cancer Society aims to increase participation—particularly among underserved groups who face barriers such as limited transportation, scheduling challenges, stigma, or lack of regular medical access.
The American Cancer Society has updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines to incorporate HPV Testing at home. This change empowers women to perform the test in the comfort of their own homes, increasing screening rates and enabling earlier detection of cervical cancer. Health experts emphasize that HPV Testing is a reliable method for identifying high-risk strains of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer, making it a critical tool in preventive care.
