ACS backs self-collected HPV tests for screening
The American Cancer Society has issued updated cervical-cancer screening guidelines in December 2025 that deem patient self-collected vaginal swabs for HPV testing a safe and accurate alternative to clinician-collected samples, potentially reducing reliance on Pap smears. Lead author Dr. Rebecca Perkins says HPV testing detects 90–95% of precancers versus 70–80% for Pap tests; positive HPV results still require follow-up testing, and widespread availability of self-collection is not yet in place.
📌 Key Facts
- American Cancer Society’s new guidelines endorse vaginal self-swab HPV testing as a valid screening method (Dec. 2025).
- HPV testing sensitivity cited at 90–95% vs. Pap smear sensitivity at 70–80%, per Dr. Rebecca Perkins.
- Self-collection may reduce the need for speculum exams; however, access to self-swab options is not yet widespread and positives need follow-up (e.g., repeat testing or colposcopy).
📊 Relevant Data
In 2017-2021, the age-adjusted incidence rate of cervical cancer was 8.7 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic Black women, 6.9 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic White women, 9.8 per 100,000 among Hispanic women, 6.1 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic Asian American and Pacific Islander women, and 9.2 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native women. Non-Hispanic White individuals comprise about 58% of the US population, Hispanic 20%, non-Hispanic Black 13%, Asian 6%, and American Indian/Alaska Native 1%.
In 2018-2022, the age-adjusted mortality rate of cervical cancer was 3.2 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic Black women, 2.1 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic White women, 2.4 per 100,000 among Hispanic women, 1.6 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic Asian American and Pacific Islander women, and 3.0 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native women. Non-Hispanic White individuals comprise about 58% of the US population, Hispanic 20%, non-Hispanic Black 13%, Asian 6%, and American Indian/Alaska Native 1%.
In 2023, the percentage of women aged 21-65 years up-to-date with cervical cancer screening was 80.1% among non-Hispanic White women, 73.5% among non-Hispanic Black women, and 67.2% among Hispanic women, compared to the overall rate of 75.8%.
Cervical Cancer Screening — Cancer Trends Progress Report
In 2019-2022, among adults aged 18-26 years, the HPV vaccination rate (at least one dose) was 50.3% for non-Hispanic White, 43.8% for non-Hispanic Black, 42.1% for Hispanic, 51.5% for non-Hispanic Asian, and 48.0% for non-Hispanic Other races.