Home-based HPV tests may help with cervical cancer screening

A new study found that for many women in rural El Salvador, home-based HPV self-sampling for women is an acceptable way to participate in a cervical cancer screening program.

Most women in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics study chose self-sampling because of practical reasons: convenience, privacy, and less embarrassment. Most women who accepted self-sampling were satisfied with their experience and would choose it again.

Almost two-thirds of the women who accepted self-sampling reported that choosing self-sampling made them feel empowered or in control of their health.

More information:
Bari Laskow et al, A pilot study of community-based self-sampling for HPV testing among non-attenders of cervical cancer screening programs in El Salvador, International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics (2017). DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12204

Provided by Wiley