Should you consider at-home screening for cervical cancer?

Content mature woman standing by a window at home and looking out at the view while enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning

07/15/2025

With barriers to routine care still common, at-home cervical cancer screening may offer a convenient alternative to Pap smears—raising questions about access, accuracy and the future of women’s health. We explore the pros and cons of this new screening.

By Linus Chuang, MD, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Nuvance Health, part of Northwell Health

The invention of the Pap smear in the 1940s was a game-changer in women’s health, dramatically reducing deaths from cervical cancer and becoming one of the most successful cancer screening tools in history.

This preventive test continues to be recommended for women ages 25 to 65 who are at average risk, forming a crucial part of routine health care during those years.

Recently, however, Pap smear rates have been on the decline in the United States. Between 2005 and 2019, the percentage of women receiving timely cervical cancer screenings—including Pap smears—dropped overall. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this trend, contributing to a nationwide decrease in testing.

Learn more about cervical cancer screenings at Nuvance Health

This decline is concerning because regular screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. An estimated 13,000 cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2025 and more than 4,000 people will die from the disease this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

The reasons behind the drop are complex, but a major factor appears to be a lack of awareness—many women reported not knowing they needed screening or not receiving a recommendation from a healthcare provider. Disparities also exist including women in rural areas, those without insurance and individuals from certain racial and ethnic groups are more likely to be overdue for screening.

The downward trend and disparities are prompting public health efforts to raise awareness and improve access, among them the use of at-home cervical cancer screenings.

In May 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an at-home self-collection device for cervical cancer screening. This innovation aims to make screening more accessible, comfortable and empowering for women aged 25 to 65 at average risk. But as with any medical advancement, it comes with both promise and concern.

Pros of at-home self-collection

At-home convenience
This allows users to collect a vaginal sample from the comfort of home—no speculum, no stirrups, no clinic visit. This convenience is a game-changer for women who face logistical, emotional, or cultural barriers to in-person exams.
High accuracy validated
Through the SELF-CERV study, at-home self-collection demonstrated a 95 percent positive percent agreement with clinician-collected samples for detecting HPV, the virus responsible for nearly all cervical cancers. It uses the same HPV test used in clinics, ensuring clinical-grade accuracy. Positive percent agreement refers to the proportion of positive test results that match those collected by clinicians, serving as a measure of test sensitivity in comparison studies.
Increased screening rates
With over 1 in 4 U.S. women behind on cervical cancer screening, at-home collection could help close the gap. In trials, 86 percent of participants said they’d be more likely to stay up to date with screening if they could do it at home.

Cons of at-home self collection

Prescription requirement
A prescription is still currently required for at-home collection.
Not a complete replacement
While it screens HPV, it doesn’t detect abnormal cervical cells directly. A positive result still requires follow-up with a traditional Pap smear or colposcopy.
Potential for user error
Although designed to be intuitive, improper sample collection could affect test accuracy. Clear instructions and support are essential to minimize this risk.
Insurance and cost considerations
Coverage may vary by insurer, and it is important to verify whether the at-home collection device is eligible for reimbursement or out-of-pocket expenses.

The bottom line: At-home self-collection represents a bold step toward democratizing cervical cancer screening. By combining medical-grade accuracy with at-home ease, it has the potential to reach women who might otherwise go unscreened. While it’s not a silver bullet, it represents a powerful new option in the fight against a largely preventable disease.

Learn more about women’s health at Nuvance Health