You May Now Be Able to Test for Cervical Cancer Right from Home!

In the United States, new health guidance will allow millions of adults to screen for cervical cancer at home using self-collected HPV tests, with private insurance required to cover the cost from 2027.

“This option has the potential to reach people who have delayed or avoided screening and help save lives,” said Ann Sheehy, chief medical officer at the Health Resources and Services Administration.

The updated recommendations apply to people aged 30 to 65 at average risk, offering self-collection using a tampon-like device as an alternative to clinic-based pelvic exams. Cervical cancer is linked to HPV in nearly all cases, yet about one in four eligible people in the country is not up to date with screening. Over the past 50 years, widespread testing has already cut cervical cancer deaths by more than 50%, and experts expect at-home options to further boost participation, especially among groups facing barriers to regular care.