American Cancer Society backs women collecting their own samples for cervical cancer screenings

LOS ANGELES () — The American Cancer Society is now endorsing a change in cervical cancer screening guidelines that could mean less women going in for pap smears.

The update supports women collecting their own vaginal specimens for human papillomavirus testing, marking a major shift in U.S. screening practices. They can do it at home or at a doctor’s office.

“It could be more convenient because you can do it at home. You don’t have to feel like you’re being traumatized,” said Dr. La Tanya Hines, an OB-GYN with Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw. “Some people do have significant history with, unfortunately, gynecological exams.”

Nurses like Monica Schmerber and Stephanie Munguia screen for cervical cancer routinely, but being able to do a pap smear on their own would be a big plus.

“It’s very convenient for people who are working all the time like we are,” said Schmerber.

Plus, self-collection kits can also reach women who just can’t get to a doctor.

“Cervical cancer screening is going down, and that has everything to do with access,” said Hines.

But in the event of an abnormal result, doctors say follow-up is key.

“If there’s anything you know that pops up then you’re able to go in and of course address it,” said Schmerber.

The American Cancer Society said screening for cervical cancer should start at age 25 if you’re at average risk and continue until age 65. Women should do it every three to five years depending on the test.

To cease HPV screening, the new guidelines require more stringent criteria, including a history of negative test results.

“They need to be negative for HPV and that you have no other symptomatic issues there. If that’s true, no more pap smears after age 65,” said Hines.

That’s because cervical cancer risk drops in your 60s. About 13,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly with roughly 4,000 deaths.

Even if you don’t need a yearly pap smear, doctors say women should get annual pelvic exams as part of their wellness check.

“It’s something that I just have to cross off my list every year and get it done,” said Stephanie Munguia of Winnetka.