New self-collection test allows for easier, more accessible cervical cancer screening

Good news for women across the YK Region: Screening for cervical cancer is now easier and more comfortable-potentially helping more people catch early signs of risk and stay healthy.

Q: Tell me more!
A: In July, YKHC will offer a new, FDA-approved screening option: Patients who meet certain criteria will be able to collect their own samples for HPV testing during a visit with a healthcare provider- no speculum exam required. This method, known as self-collection, allows patients to swab privately after receiving instructions from a provider.

Q: Why is this important?
A: This makes screening for cervical cancer more accessible and less invasive. By offering a more comfortable option, it's expected that more people will agree to be screened, leading to earlier detection of HPV - the virus that causes nearly all cervical cancers. Increased screening is expected to lead to fewer missed cases, earlier treatment and better outcomes.

Q: How is self-swab testing for HPV different from a Pap smear?
A: An HPV test is a highly effective test that detects high-risk types of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. HPV testing can be done by a provider during a pelvic exam - or can now be done using self-collection instead! Pap smears are older style of test, still require a speculum exam performed by a provider, that check for abnormal or pre-cancerous cells in the cervix.

Q: Who should get tested?
A: Anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 65 should be regularly screened for cervical cancer, even if they have no symptoms.

Q: What happens during the screening?
A: A healthcare provider will explain how to collect the sample. The patient will go to a private space to use a cotton swab to collect a sample from their vagina. The swab is returned to the provider who will send it to the lab for testing. Results are typically available within a few days, and your provider will follow up if any further action is needed.

Q: How can I get screened?
A: During the summer, providers will also be visiting villages to offer this test and other screening services. In Bethel, talk to your healthcare provider about the HPV self-collection option.

Q. What can I do to lower my risk of cervical cancer?
A: Talk to your provider and make a plan to get up to date on your screening. Having an easy self-swab option makes that easier!

Other important steps women can take to help prevent cervical cancer, according to the CDC, are to get vaccinated against HPV, not smoke, use condoms during sex, have regular screening tests and go back to see the doctor if screening test results are not normal.

Thanks to widespread use of the HPV vaccine, which protects against the most dangerous strains of HPV, significantly lowering the risk of cervical cancer, cervical cancer rates - and precancerous findings in screening tests - are steadily falling in the United States. With the combined power of vaccination and accessible screening, the hope is that we will see rates of cervical cancer drop dramatically for future generations.