At-Home HPV Tests Boost Cervical Cancer Screening Rates in Underserved Populations

A randomized trial conducted in a safety-net health system found that participation in cervical cancer screening more than doubled when patients received at-home HPV test kits compared to those who only received a telephone reminder. Six months after initial contact, 17.4% of patients who received a phone reminder alone participated in clinic-based screening, while 41.1% of those who received a home test kit participated. The participation rate increased to nearly 50% for patients who received the home test kit plus a follow-up call from a patient navigator. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, involved 2,474 participants, with 94% from racial and ethnic minority groups. Results showed that home-based testing could significantly improve access to cervical cancer screening for underserved populations, including those who are uninsured, live in rural areas, or belong to marginalized communities. "Too many women, especially those who are uninsured or come from underserved communities, aren't getting screened for cervical cancer," said Jane R. Montealegre, PhD, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "These results show that self-collection testing could be a solution to increasing access to screening and reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the U.S." The findings suggest that home-based testing could help address racial and economic disparities in cervical cancer screening. However, further research is needed to determine how health systems can optimally deliver follow-up care for abnormal results and ensure equitable access to treatment.

Published: 6/7/2025