In 2019, there were over 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in the U.S., resulting in more than 4,000 deaths. The link between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer development is well known. Current guidelines for cervical cancer screening are under review for updates.
On May 15, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved patient-collected testing (vaginal self-collection) for HPV. Several countries, such as the Netherlands and Australia, have already included HPV self-collection in their national screening programs.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Nursing revealed that more than half of healthcare providers would consider offering HPV self-collection to their patients if approved by the FDA. This shows a significant acceptance of this approach among healthcare professionals.
The senior author of the study, Dr. Rebecca B. Perkins, highlighted that healthcare providers believe self-collection could benefit patients who lack access to traditional screenings or struggle with pelvic exams due to various reasons like trauma history, sexual orientation, gender identity, or mobility issues.
The study involved a mixed methods design that included a national survey and interviews with healthcare providers who conduct cervical cancer screenings. The quantitative data collected focused on provider characteristics, willingness to recommend self-collection, and preferences related to the procedure. Interviews provided additional insights into provider perspectives.
Results of the study showed that male providers, advanced practice providers, internal and family physicians, as well as those working in academic medical centers, hospitals, or community health settings, were more likely to support HPV self-collection compared to female participants, OB-GYN physicians, and those in private practice.
However, concerns were raised by providers regarding the accuracy of results obtained from self-collected samples. Dr. Holly Fontenot, the lead author of the study and a professor of nursing at the University of Hawaii, emphasized that while HPV self-collection offers expanded access to cervical cancer screening, providers are cautious about the quality of samples and accuracy of results.
The recent FDA approval of HPV self-collection in the U.S. provides an additional option for cervical cancer screening, which could help overcome barriers related to access or personal medical conditions.
The study’s findings have been published online in the journal Women’s Health Issues, and the research was partly supported by a grant from the American Cancer Society (Award RSG19-011-01CPHPC).
