As Pap smears are phased out, HPV self-swabs called a safe, accurate measure
Sep 25, 2023
Women should be offered take-home kits to screen for cervical cancer, doctors say in new guidelines aiming to reduce discrimination in health care.
Provinces are currently moving away from Pap smears, which are recommended at least once every three years for women aged 30 to 69. A doctor sweeps up cells in the cervix to spot lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The abnormalities provide an early warning of changes that can become cancerous without treatment.
Instead of the Pap, a relatively new HPV test is being rolled in several provinces. The test detects high-risk types of the virus. Those aged 25 and 65 are offered it every five years, with slight variations from province to province.
Self-swabs for HPV — similar to the at-home rapid tests for the virus that causes COVID-19 — could significantly boost early detection, says Dr. Aisha Lofters, a scientist and family physician at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, and a co-author of a paper published in Monday’s issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/cervical-cancer-self-swab-1.6975862