Recent FDA approvals have expanded cervical cancer screening options for American women, now including at-home self-collection tools aimed at increasing access-particularly for those facing healthcare barriers[not found in search results]. Though, a new study published in *JAMA Network Open* reveals that despite this increased accessibility, a significant majority of women-60.8%-still prefer traditional screening methods conducted by healthcare professionals[[1]]. The findings highlight ongoing preferences and disparities in screening choices among different demographic groups, as researchers explored attitudes toward these new at-home testing options.
American women now have the option of screening for cervical cancer at home using recently approved self-collection tools. While experts hope this will increase participation among those who are currently underserved, a new study reveals that a majority – 60.8% – still prefer to receive this screening from a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.
The study, published on May 9, 2024, in JAMA Network Open, also found that individuals from marginalized groups were more likely to favor at-home self-sampling, and that women with lower incomes and those who have distrust in the healthcare system were more likely to be unsure of which option to choose. Of the 2,300 women eligible for screening, only 20.4% expressed a preference for at-home cervical cancer screening, while 18.8% were undecided.
“At-home self-collection has the potential to eliminate many barriers women face when it comes to cervical cancer screening. By expanding screening options and pairing them with targeted education, we can empower more women to participate in a way that fits their lives.”
Sanjay Shete, Ph.D., chief of division associate for cancer prevention and population sciences
Is At-Home Testing Still Valuable?
Cervical cancer screening rates have increased over the past 25 years, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in annual screening coverage. Experts say improving cervical cancer screening among under-screened populations remains crucial, and this study suggests those groups would benefit from options that best align with their preferences. This is particularly important as cervical cancer is a preventable cancer with early detection through regular screening.
The study found Black women were less likely than White women to prefer at-home self-collection over in-clinic testing. Conversely, those who were overdue for screening were most likely to prefer at-home kits, as were those who had experienced bias or discrimination when seeking medical care. The most commonly cited reasons for preferring at-home self-sampling were privacy (54.9%), time constraints (35.1%), and avoiding discomfort (33.4%).
Both the Health Resources and Services Administration and the American Cancer Society have endorsed at-home self-collection for cervical cancer screening.
“Major medical and public health organizations should consider updating their recommendations to include at-home self-sampling,” said co-author Joël Fokom Domgue, MD, principal investigator in epidemiology. “This policy shift could play a key role in reducing disparities in screening and improving participation among historically underserved populations.”
How Was the Study Conducted?
This cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults in the civilian population. The study included all women aged 21 to 65 who responded to the survey and were eligible for cervical cancer screening according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. Participants also had to have answered questions about cervical cancer screening.
The study’s limitations include the cross-sectional nature of HINTS, a lack of familiarity with the new at-home screening kits among participants, the fact that the FDA had not yet approved a self-collection tool at the time the HINTS survey was conducted, and the absence of data on screening history within the HINTS dataset.
