New guidelines recommend the use of self-screening tests for human papillomavirus (HPV) to improve access to cervical cancer screening for women facing barriers. Several provinces in Canada are transitioning from the Pap smear to the HPV test for screening. The guidelines, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, focus on preventative care, health care equity, and improving access to primary care. HPV is a common sexually-transmitted infection in Canada, with over 70% of sexually active adults estimated to develop it. The World Health Organization has identified HPV as the primary cause of cervical cancer. The Pap smear has been the standard screening method for decades, requiring women aged 25 and older to have the test every three years. The HPV test is recommended every five years for people with a cervix who are 30 years of age or older. The HPV test examines a sample of cells collected from the cervix using a speculum and tested in a lab for high-risk types of HPV. The accuracy rate of the Pap smear is around 60%, while the accuracy of the HPV test is over 90%. Self-testing options, including at-home tests, are increasingly available and can benefit individuals who may face barriers to accessing medical clinics or doctor’s offices for screening. The self-test involves collecting a sample using a swab and mailing it to a lab for testing. Self-testing can address issues of time constraints, convenience, and privacy, particularly for individuals with a history of trauma. Inequities in cervical cancer screening exist, particularly for women with disabilities, Black women, those born outside of Canada, and members of the LGBTQ2 community. By offering self-testing options, individuals who have found it difficult to navigate the medical system can take care of their health more easily. Some provinces, such as British Columbia and New Brunswick, have already implemented self-sampling options for HPV testing, while others have yet to make the transition. It is important for the shift to HPV testing to be done in a programmatic setting to ensure appropriate screening, follow-up care, and monitoring of impacts. Self-testing for HPV has been utilized in other countries, including Australia and parts of Europe, with positive results. The implementation of self-testing in Canada requires investment and planning at a national level.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
