**New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines** Clinic News: Updated guidelines from the American Cancer Society and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) now endorse self-collection methods for HPV testing in clinical settings.
**New Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines**Clinic News: Updated guidelines from the American Cancer Society and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) now endorse self-collection methods for HPV testing in clinical settings.
As of January 5, HRSA has announced updated guidance to its cervical cancer screening guidelines. This new guidance offers females ages 30 to 65 with an average risk the option to self-collect samples for testing.
The current guidelines recommend screenings every 3 to 5 years for these age groups. It's essential to note that over 90% of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Almost all cases of the disease can be prevented by HPV vaccination.
ACS Updated Guidelines
The American Cancer Society (ACS) updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines in December 2025 to endorse self-collected vaginal specimens for HPV testing, marking a significant shift in U.S. screening practices.
The changes allow average-risk individuals ages 25 to 65 to collect their own samples in clinical settings — or, in limited cases, at home — using FDA-approved kits. The update aims to improve screening access and equity by removing barriers for underserved populations, while also revising exit criteria to require HPV testing at ages 60 and 65 to address persistently high cancer rates in people over 65.
Benefits of Self-Collection
Historically, cervical cancer screening relied on clinician-collected samples obtained during a pelvic exam. While effective, this approach can be a barrier for those who face discomfort, limited access to care, or other obstacles to in-person screening.
HPV testing using self-collected vaginal specimens has now been shown to have sensitivity and specificity comparable to clinician-collected samples when PCR-based assays are used. Multiple studies and meta-analyses reviewed by the ACS Guideline Development Group (GDG) found high agreement between the two methods, particularly for detecting high-risk HPV types linked to cervical precancer.
At our clinic, we offer self-collection methods for HPV testing in clinical settings. Our experienced healthcare providers are here to guide you through this process and ensure your comfort throughout the screening. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about our cervical cancer screening services.
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