New Self-Collected HPV Tests Aim to Boost Cervical Cancer Screening

UCSF expert explains benefits of at-home testing and how it can reach high-risk populations.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:31am by Ben Kaplan

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George Sawaya, MD, a UCSF professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, discusses the recent updates to cervical cancer screening guidelines that now include self-collected HPV tests as an option. The new at-home testing method has been found to be preferred by many women, especially those who are under-screened or never-screened, as it provides more privacy and control over the screening process.

Why it matters

Cervical cancer is highly preventable through early screening, but many women still do not get regular screenings. Self-collected HPV tests have the potential to increase access to screening, especially for high-risk populations like the under-screened and never-screened, ultimately reducing cervical cancer rates.

The details

Several FDA-approved sampling devices allow women to collect vaginal samples at home to test for HPV, the virus that causes most cervical cancers. These samples are then sent to a lab for analysis. A recent nationwide survey found that about 70% of U.S. women were amenable to self-collected HPV tests, with the highest preference among under-screened and never-screened women, as well as those who identify as LGBTQ+ or have experienced non-voluntary sexual intercourse.

  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services updated cervical cancer screening guidelines to include self-collected HPV tests in February 2026.
  • The American Cancer Society made similar recommendations a few weeks prior to the HHS update.

The players

George Sawaya, MD

A UCSF professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and the senior author on a study about women's preferences for self-collected HPV tests.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The federal agency that updated cervical cancer screening guidelines to include self-collected HPV tests as an option.

American Cancer Society

The leading cancer-fighting organization that also recently recommended self-collected HPV tests for cervical cancer screening.

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What they’re saying

“The promise of self-collection testing is to increase screening access to persons in these high-risk groups. Most patients will receive normal results, but those who don't should return for additional testing, a critical step in cancer prevention.”

— George Sawaya, MD, UCSF Professor (Mirage News)

What’s next

Researchers at UCSF and Kaiser Permanente are conducting additional studies to explore the efficacy of self-collected HPV tests in older populations and immunocompromised individuals, as well as the potential benefits of extending cervical cancer screening past age 65.

The takeaway

Self-collected HPV tests have the potential to significantly improve cervical cancer screening rates, especially among high-risk populations who may face barriers to traditional in-clinic testing. This new screening option gives women more control and privacy, which could lead to earlier detection and prevention of cervical cancer.