American Cancer Society Updates Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines to Include Self-Collection for HPV Testing

The American Cancer Society released updated guidelines for cervical cancer screening, reflecting advances in disease detection and accessibility in the United States. The updates, which were announced in a news release from the organization, introduce 2 key changes: self-collection for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as an option for cervical cancer screening and new guidance on when individuals can safely exit screening for the disease.¹

Currently, the American Cancer Society recommends that women and individuals with a cervix who are at an average risk should initiate cervical screening at 25 years of age and undergo primary HPV testing every 5 years through the age of 65. This recommendation is based on research that shows long-lasting infection with certain types of HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers. Additionally, if primary HPV testing is not available, those aged 25 to 65 years should be screened by cotesting with an HPV test in combination with a cytology (Pap) test every 5 years, or cytology testing alone every 3 years.¹

Cervical cancer is one of the only cancers that is almost entirely preventable with regular screening; however, over 1 in 4 US women are often behind on screenings, with the most common reasons being the inability to take time off work, the inability to find an available appointment, and the discomfort experienced during an in-clinic exam.^1,2

What Do the Updated Guidelines Recommend?

For primary HPV testing, it is still preferred that cervical specimens be collected by trained health care professionals; however, self-collected vaginal specimens are acceptable for cervical cancer screening. For example, the use of the Teal Wand (Teal Health), which was the first and only at-home vaginal sample self-collection device used for cervical cancer screening in the US at the time of its approval in May 2025, was supported by clinical trial results from the SELF-CERV study (NCT06120205).^1-3 This trial showed approximately 94% of enrolled women reported their preference for the self-collection method over an in-person screening visit at a health care professional’s office.¹

Cervical cancer screenings are critical to a woman’s health, but they are inconvenient and uncomfortable for most. Specifically, patients often report experiencing pain, nervousness, and discomfort with the speculum during the screening, and 32% report delaying their screening because of discomfort alone. For these reasons, researchers sought an at-home screening method that is as accurate as going to a health clinic or specialist’s office while also being comfortable.^1,2 When self-collected vaginal specimens are HPV negative in the screening setting, repeat testing in 3 years is recommended.¹

For discontinuing screening, the American Cancer Society recommends that an average-risk woman, or an individual with a cervix at average risk, have negative primary HPV tests or negative cotesting using HPV tests and cytology testing at 60 and 65 years of age. If primary HPV tests or cotesting are not available, 3 consecutive negative cytology tests at the recommended screening interval, with the last test at age 65, are acceptable.¹

“These updated recommendations will help to improve compliance with screening and reduce the risk of cervical cancer,” Robert Smight, PhD, senior vice president, early cancer detection science at the American Cancer Society, and senior author of the report, said in the news release. “They are made possible as we continue to evolve our approach to screening for cervical cancer, primarily through research advancements and the development of self-collection tools to broaden access to screening.”¹

Why Were These Changes in Guidelines Made?

The updated report is part of an ongoing guideline development process by American Cancer Society researchers, experts, and volunteers. The organization monitors both medical and scientific literature for new evidence that may support a change in current guidelines or the development of new guidelines and for information about cervical cancer screening that should be conveyed to clinicians and target populations.¹

Of note, the American Cancer Society does not recommend screening for¹:

1. Women under 25 years of age, because cervical cancer is rare prior to this age;
2. Women older than 65 years of age who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk;
3. Women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix, unless they have a history of high-grade precancerous lesions.

“Geographic disparities continue to exist in cervical cancer incidence and mortality, with individuals living in rural areas more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage cervical cancer. Over 46 million, or 14%, of the US population live in rural areas that often require the need to travel long distances to access health care,” Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), said in the news release. “Self-collection options are a critical resource for these individuals and other underserved populations. ACS CAN remains committed to partnering with policymakers to strengthen access to cervical cancer screening and necessary follow-up care without added costs. This is an important step towards ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.”

REFERENCES

1. American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Updates Cervical Cancer Screening Guideline: Major Changes Include Self-Collection for HPV Testing and Guidance on Exiting Screening. News release. December 4, 2025. Accessed December 5, 2025. https://pressroom.cancer.org/updated-cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines-2025

2. McGovern G. FDA Approves Teal Wand, First At-Home Self-Collection Cervical Cancer Screening Device. Pharmacy Times. May 9, 2025. Accessed December 5, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fda-approves-teal-wand-first-at-home-self-collection-cervical-cancer-screening-device

3. SELF-CERV Pivotal Study: SELF-Collection for CERVical Cancer Screening. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06120205. Updated July 18, 2025. Accessed December 5, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06120205