[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/self-collection-for-hpv-testing-provides-more-accessibility-for-cervical-cancer-screening\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/self-collection-for-hpv-testing-provides-more-accessibility-for-cervical-cancer-screening\/","headline":"Self-Collection for HPV Testing Provides More Accessibility for Cervical Cancer Screening","name":"Self-Collection for HPV Testing Provides More Accessibility for Cervical Cancer Screening","description":"Self-Collection for HPV Testing Provides More Accessibility for Cervical Cancer Screening October 27, 2025 Cervical cancer is most treatable when it is caught in its early stages. Routine screening can alert patients to cancer before it shows symptoms. It may even detect precancerous changes, letting treatment begin before the cancer fully develops. Some patients struggle […]","datePublished":"2025-10-27","dateModified":"2025-10-28","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/seo-user\/#Person","name":"Advance SEO","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/seo-user\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Regional Cancer Care Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","width":506,"height":228}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/gynecologist-speaking-with-patient-in-office-setting.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/gynecologist-speaking-with-patient-in-office-setting.jpg","height":600,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/self-collection-for-hpv-testing-provides-more-accessibility-for-cervical-cancer-screening\/","about":["All Cancers"],"wordCount":1365,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSelf-Collection for HPV Testing Provides More Accessibility for Cervical Cancer Screening\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOctober 27, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCervical cancer is most treatable when it is caught in its early stages. Routine screening can alert patients to cancer before it shows symptoms. It may even detect precancerous changes, letting treatment begin before the cancer fully develops. Some patients struggle to take advantage of in-office screening, however, putting them at risk of a late diagnosis.Two new HPV tests allow patients to collect their own samples. Now, patients can be screened for cervical cancer without a pelvic exam.Many individuals diagnosed with cervical cancer turn to Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) for treatment. RCCA is a group of more than 100 medical oncologists and hematologists who treat patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers and benign blood disorders at more than 20 locations throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. They strive to educate patients while providing innovative care.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat Is HPV and Why Is It Important to Cancer Screening?Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which can cause cancer. About 30 HPV types are easily passed through sexual contact. Among these, two are responsible for more than 70% of cervical cancer cases. HPVs have also been linked to vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, penile cancer, anal cancer, and certain head and neck cancers.Because of the close connection between HPV and cancer, detecting HPV is an effective way to predict cancer risk. If HPV is found in an individual’s cervix, then the patient can begin cervical cancer treatment before the cancer fully forms. This early start provides the best chance of defeating cancer quickly.HPV Screening RecommendationsRoutine screening refers to a medical test that patients receive regularly to detect cancer before it shows symptoms. There are two common screening methods for cervical cancer, both using samples taken during a pelvic exam:HPV tests: This screening approach looks for HPV in the cervix. It cannot detect precancer or cancer, but it does detect high-risk HPV types that are likely to cause cancer.Pap tests: This screening approach looks for cell changes or abnormal cells in the cervix that may be signs of precancer or cancer. It does not detect HPV.The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends HPV testing every five years for people aged 25 to 65. If primary HPV tests are not available, then individuals can receive a co-test that combines the HPV and Pap tests. They may also receive a Pap test alone every three years.Traditional HPV Screening Is Effective, but Can Have LimitationsWhile routine screening is the most effective way to detect precancer and cancer, about 30% of people do not get screened for cervical cancer at the recommended times. There are many logistical and financial obstacles that may make HPV screening difficult, including:Limited access to female healthcare providersNo transportation to testing centersNeed for childcare while at the hospitalInability to take time off work for an appointmentNo insurance to pay for medical careThese challenges make screening less accessible to people experiencing poverty, who live in rural areas, or who are from racial or ethnic minorities. Even among people who can reliably access pelvic exams, not all of them take advantage. Many people are unable to receive an exam due to physical disabilities, medical conditions, a history of trauma, or religious or cultural beliefs.How Does Self-Collection for HPV Testing Work?In May 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded its approval of HPV tests to allow for self-collection. This means individuals can collect their own vaginal samples without requiring a pelvic exam.Two devices are currently approved for self-collection. One is similar to a large cotton swab, while the other resembles a tampon. Self-collection devices are provided by screening clinics to be used in a restroom or other private space. The patient inserts the device into her vagina to take a sample. The sample is then sent to a laboratory to be tested following the same methods approved by FDA for traditional screenings, meaning results for both are equally accurate.The Future of HPV Testing and Cervical Cancer ScreeningApproval for self-collection is a massive step forward for cancer screening accessibility. Testing does not have to be done with a women’s healthcare provider, meaning that people can be screened at a primary care office, mobile clinic, or whatever medical facility is most accessible to them. It also allows for a more private, less invasive process than a pelvic exam.The advances do not stop here, either. Ongoing medical research is working to improve and expand the opportunities for HPV self-collection:The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is overseeing clinical trials to gather data on the accuracy of self-collection HPV testing, which may lead to expanded approvals.Several companies have developed self-collection kits to be used at home, which are currently undergoing trials in pursuit of FDA approval.Researchers are updating cervical cancer screening guidelines to account for self-collection for HPV testing.Screening guidelines are typically updated every seven to 10 years, but cervical cancer research is advancing at a much more rapid pace. Patients can speak with their physician to determine the most appropriate test type, schedule, and process for their needs.Find Cervical Cancer Screenings and Care Near You in NJ, CT, & MANew developments in HPV tests for cervical cancer and precancer screening are helping to overcome barriers to accessibility. Regional Cancer Care Associates educates patients to help them avoid life-threatening cancer. RCCA specialists provide care to more than 30,000 new patients and 265,000 established patients each year. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, cutting-edge diagnostics as well as access to approximately 300 clinical trials in community-based centers close to home.Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical CancerWhat causes cervical cancer?Over 70% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV infections. Other risk factors include:Having a sexual history that began before 18 and involved many partnersGetting infected with HIV (AIDS)Contracting chlamydiaHaving a weakened immune systemUsing oral contraceptives long-termGetting pregnant before age 20Having three or more full-term pregnanciesWhat are the early signs of cervical cancer?Early stages of cervical cancer do not cause symptoms. When symptoms develop later, they include:Pelvic pain during sexual intercoursePersistent pelvic or lower back discomfortVaginal bleeding or spotting between periodsPeriods that are longer or heavier than normalUnusual or foul-smelling vaginal fluidIt is important to note that the great majority of individuals who experience one or more of the symptoms listed above will not have cervical cancer. Nonetheless, it is important to consult a physician about these symptoms, particularly if they are pronounced, arose suddenly, or have persisted for an extended period.What treatments are available for cervical cancer?Cervical cancer can be treated with targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. More aggressive treatments are required as the cancer advances, which is why it’s important to identify cancer early.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twe are here for you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the\u00a0RCCA location\u00a0nearest you.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\trequest an appointment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRELATED ARTICLES\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDeciding Where to Receive Cancer Care: RCCA Oncologists Outline Key 5 Considerations\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cMy uncle\u2019s neighbor was diagnosed with the exact same cancer, I think, last year and his specialist has been wonderful. I\u2019m going to get you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen You Diagnose (or Suspect) Cancer: 3 Reasons to Refer Your Patients to RCCA\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cWhat happens next?\u201d \u201cWhere should I go for treatment?\u201d They are questions physicians often hear after informing a patient that they have identified confirmed or\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Blood Work\u2019 and Cancer Detection: 2 RCCA Oncologists Explain What Doctors Look for in Your CBC\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cYou\u2019re going to feel a little pinch.\u201d Each year, tens of millions of Americans hear that phrase, or words to the same effect, just before\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Self-Collection for HPV Testing Provides More Accessibility for Cervical Cancer Screening","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/self-collection-for-hpv-testing-provides-more-accessibility-for-cervical-cancer-screening\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]