A recent survey of 1,100 women found that over half delayed gynecology visits due to fear or discomfort. Despite understanding the importance of regular screenings for cervical cancer, which is preventable with screening, many women are putting off check-ups.
According to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), cervical cancer screening recommendations vary by age:
– Women aged 21-29 should get a Pap test every three years
– Women aged 30-65 should get an HPV test every five years
– Women over 65 do not need screening unless they have had adequate prior screening
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2021, approximately one in four women eligible for screening were not up to date on cervical cancer screenings. Health experts attribute this delay to fear or discomfort associated with pelvic exams.
BD, a global medical technology company, has developed an in-office self-collection HPV testing kit called the BD Onclarity HPV Assay, which has been approved by the US FDA. The company’s president, Nikos Pavlidis, states that “self-collection will be important factors as we work to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health risk.”
BD is also working on an at-home vaginal swab tool for self-collection, which could provide women with more convenient and comfortable options for cervical cancer screenings.
Source: https://fortune.com/well/2025/01/14/women-delay-gynecology-checkup-cervical-cancer-risk