HPV self-sampling kits make cervical cancer screening more convenient and comfortable

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) self-sampling promises to make the process of screening for cervical cancer easier, more comfortable—and, for some, less traumatic—than a traditional Pap test, offering users more control over their reproductive health.

That’s according to a recent study that found that those who are under-screened for cervical cancer—including sex workers, those who have a history of incarceration or who have experienced sexual violence—benefited from self-sampling kits and found them easy to use.

The study, published in Current Oncology, also found that a third of participants had a high-risk strain of HPV following their self-sample. They were then referred for follow-up testing.

“HPV self sample kits are simple to use and convenient—not that much different from an at-home COVID test,” says the study’s lead author Mandana Vahabi, the women’s health research chair at Unity Health Toronto and a professor in the University of Toronto’s Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing.

“With this method, individuals can test themselves at a time and place that is convenient for them. They have control in terms of inserting the swab, which provides less discomfort than traditional methods.

“And for many different cultural groups, where modesty is valued, self-sampling reduces stigma and embarrassment.”

In fact, many study participants shared that they had either never had a Pap test, or had chosen not to follow-up on their screening because of the stigma they had faced during their first Pap test related to their occupation, lifestyle or gender identity.

There are over 100 different strains of HPV, four of which are considered high risk for the development of cervical cancer, which can result from HPV and its potential to damage cervical walls.

Those who test positive for a high-risk strain of HPV, would be asked to undergo a Pap test to look for abnormalities in the cervix.

Vahabi stresses that early detection is key.

“Once an abnormality is detected, we can start an intervention, whether that is laser surgery, cryosurgery (freezing) or removal of damaged tissue to prevent disease progression,” says Vahabi. “This is one of the most important tools we have to save the lives of women.”

Vahabi has been a staunch advocate for HPV self-sampling kits because they address many of the structural barriers women face in accessing screening, including the lack of a primary care physician.

She says she’s hopeful that provincial governments will move towards policies that include HPV self-sampling as a method of cervical cancer screening.

“Our study showed how stressful it is for a sex worker to seek out screening because they are penalized for what they do, and preached at regarding the risk of their occupation,” she says. “We are creating a lot of unnecessary fear that prevents them from accessing resources that can save their lives.”

There are some challenges to scaling up the use of HPV self-sampling, including a mistrust of health-care providers and a lack of confidence among participants in conducting the test themselves. However, Vahabi says these hurdles can be addressed by sharing appropriate instructions through videos or illustrated pamphlets, as well as having nurse practitioners nearby to assist if needed.

Vahabi says public knowledge about the risks and symptoms of cervical cancer and HPV remains limited.

“Telling people that they are at high risk because of multiple sexual partners is not effective,” she says. “We need to be explaining that the virus can show up in anyone and, in addition to being vaccinated for HPV, screening is vital to keeping people healthy and informed.”

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) self-sampling promises to make the process of screening for cervical cancer easier, more comfortable—and, for some, less traumatic—than a traditional Pap test, offering users more control over their reproductive health.

That’s according to a recent study that found that those who are under-screened for cervical cancer—including sex workers, those who have a history of incarceration or who have experienced sexual violence—benefited from self-sampling kits and found them easy to use.

The study, published in Current Oncology, also found that a third of participants had a high-risk strain of HPV following their self-sample. They were then referred for follow-up testing.

“HPV self sample kits are simple to use and convenient—not that much different from an at-home COVID test,” says the study’s lead author Mandana Vahabi, the women’s health research chair at Unity Health Toronto and a professor in the University of Toronto’s Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing.

“With this method, individuals can test themselves at a time and place that is convenient for them. They have control in terms of inserting the swab, which provides less discomfort than traditional methods.

“And for many different cultural groups, where modesty is valued, self-sampling reduces stigma and embarrassment.”

In fact, many study participants shared that they had either never had a Pap test, or had chosen not to follow-up on their screening because of the stigma they had faced during their first Pap test related to their occupation, lifestyle or gender identity.

There are over 100 different strains of HPV, four of which are considered high risk for the development of cervical cancer, which can result from HPV and its potential to damage cervical walls.

Those who test positive for a high-risk strain of HPV, would be asked to undergo a Pap test to look for abnormalities in the cervix.

Vahabi stresses that early detection is key.

“Once an abnormality is detected, we can start an intervention, whether that is laser surgery, cryosurgery (freezing) or removal of damaged tissue to prevent disease progression,” says Vahabi. “This is one of the most important tools we have to save the lives of women.”

Vahabi has been a staunch advocate for HPV self-sampling kits because they address many of the structural barriers women face in accessing screening, including the lack of a primary care physician.

She says she’s hopeful that provincial governments will move towards policies that include HPV self-sampling as a method of cervical cancer screening.

“Our study showed how stressful it is for a sex worker to seek out screening because they are penalized for what they do, and preached at regarding the risk of their occupation,” she says. “We are creating a lot of unnecessary fear that prevents them from accessing resources that can save their lives.”

There are some challenges to scaling up the use of HPV self-sampling, including a mistrust of health-care providers and a lack of confidence among participants in conducting the test themselves. However, Vahabi says these hurdles can be addressed by sharing appropriate instructions through videos or illustrated pamphlets, as well as having nurse practitioners nearby to assist if needed.

Vahabi says public knowledge about the risks and symptoms of cervical cancer and HPV remains limited.

“Telling people that they are at high risk because of multiple sexual partners is not effective,” she says. “We need to be explaining that the virus can show up in anyone and, in addition to being vaccinated for HPV, screening is vital to keeping people healthy and informed.”