UPDATED global guidance has reinforced the role of human papillomavirus self-sampling as an effective approach to improve participation in cervical cancer screening programmes, particularly among women who face barriers to clinic-based testing.
Cervical Screening Gaps Persist
Cervical cancer remains a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, yet screening uptake remains uneven across and within countries. Barriers such as limited access to healthcare, cultural concerns, previous negative experiences, and time constraints continue to limit participation, especially among underserved populations.
Self-sampling for high-risk human papillomavirus has been proposed as a strategy to increase coverage by allowing women to collect samples outside clinical settings.
Evidence Supporting Self-Sampling
The updated guidance reviewed evidence from randomised and observational studies comparing clinician-collected and self-collected samples for HPV testing. The analysis showed that self-sampling has comparable sensitivity for detecting high-risk HPV when validated assays are used.
Importantly, offering self-sampling options was associated with significantly higher screening uptake among women who were previously under-screened or had never been screened.
Safety and Implementation Considerations
The guidance emphasised that self-sampling should be integrated into organised screening programmes with clear pathways for follow-up testing, diagnosis, and treatment. Ensuring timely communication of results and access to colposcopy when indicated was highlighted as essential to maximise clinical benefit.
Education for both healthcare professionals and patients was identified as a key component of successful implementation, particularly to address concerns about sample collection and result interpretation.
Implications for Women’s Health Services
Expanding access to self-sampling could support earlier detection of precancerous changes and reduce inequalities in cervical cancer outcomes. The guidance noted that self-sampling may be particularly valuable in low-resource settings and among populations with historically low engagement in preventive reproductive healthcare.
Health systems were encouraged to consider self-sampling as part of broader cervical cancer elimination strategies, alongside vaccination and improved treatment access.
Future Directions
Further research is needed to optimise delivery models, evaluate long-term outcomes, and assess cost effectiveness across different healthcare settings. The authors concluded that self-sampling represents a scientifically supported and patient-centred approach to strengthening cervical screening programmes.
Reference
World Health Organisation (WHO). Human papillomavirus testing and cervical cancer screening: updated recommendations. 2026. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-HPV-screening-2026. Last accessed: 26 January 2026.
