Cervical Cancer Screening Gets a Makeover

A big change is coming to cervical cancer screening. The FDA has given the green light to a new at-home test. This test is a game-changer for many women. It allows them to collect a sample at home instead of going to the doctor's office. This can make a huge difference. Many women avoid screenings because they find the pelvic exam uncomfortable or even painful. This new test could encourage more women to get checked. Cervical cancer is highly preventable. Screenings and the HPV vaccine have made a big impact. Since the 1970s, the number of cases has dropped significantly. However, the rate of decline has slowed in recent years. In 2023, about 13, 360 women are expected to be diagnosed with cervical cancer. Sadly, around 4, 320 women are expected to die from it. The number of women getting screened has also decreased since the mid-2000s. In 2019, 23% of women were behind on their screenings. This is a jump from 14% in 2005. Up to half of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in the U. S. weren't up to date on their screenings. The new test, called the Teal Wand, detects HPV using a vaginal swab. This makes it less invasive than a traditional pap smear. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection and the main cause of cervical cancer. Most cases of HPV clear up on their own. However, certain strains are linked to cervical cancer. This isn't the first HPV test using a vaginal sample. Last year, the FDA approved a similar swab that patients collect in a doctor's office. The big difference here is that the sample can be collected at home. Women in rural areas face bigger challenges. They are 25% more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer. They are also 42% more likely to die from the disease than women in cities. This is likely due to lower access to screenings and care in rural areas. The at-home test could help bridge this gap. Patients can order the test kit after a telehealth appointment with a doctor. They then collect the sample themselves at home. The swab is mailed to a lab for analysis. If the result is positive, Teal Health's providers will help arrange further care. However, experts want more information on the cost of the test. They also want to know if patients will follow up if they need more testing. The CEO of Teal Health did not reveal the cost of the test. However, the company expects it to be covered by insurance. It is endorsed by the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force. A gynecologist still plays a crucial role. An annual exam covers more than just cervical cancer screening.