Most American women still prefer to have their cervical cancer screenings performed by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting, even after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first at-home self-sampling device in May 2025, according to a latest study published in JAMA Network Open.
Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that 60.8% of women eligible for cervical cancer screening expressed a preference for in-clinic testing. The study, which surveyed 2,300 women aged 21 to 65, revealed that only 20.4% favored at-home screening, while 18.8% remained unsure about their preferred method.
The FDA’s approval of at-home HPV testing kits was intended to increase screening rates, particularly among populations with limited access to healthcare. However, the MD Anderson study suggests that a significant portion of women remain hesitant to adopt self-collection methods. “Home-based self-sampling has the potential to remove many of the barriers women face when it comes to cervical cancer screening,” said Sanjay Shete, PhD, deputy division head of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences at MD Anderson.
The study identified key factors influencing preferences. Privacy (54.9%), time constraints (35.1%) and avoidance of embarrassment (33.4%) were the most frequently cited reasons for preferring at-home screening. Conversely, Black women were less likely to express a preference for at-home testing compared to White women, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive outreach and education.
Women with lower incomes and those who reported distrust of the healthcare system were as well more likely to express uncertainty about the best screening option. This suggests that addressing systemic barriers to healthcare access and building trust are crucial for maximizing the impact of both in-clinic and at-home screening programs.
Researchers noted that the study was conducted before widespread awareness of the newly approved at-home testing devices, which could influence future adoption rates. A separate study led by Dr. Jane R. Montealegre of MD Anderson Cancer Center found that women who used at-home test kits were more than twice as likely to complete screening for cervical cancer than those who received only telephone reminders, suggesting a potential benefit for at-risk groups.
A pilot program launched in November 2024 by BD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Su Clinica in underserved communities in Texas is evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of self-collected HPV testing. The program utilizes the BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay, and aims to identify challenges and solutions for improving cervical cancer screening access.
Joel Fokom Domgue, MD, a co-author of the MD Anderson study, pointed to existing recommendations from organizations like the Health Resources and Services Administration and the American Cancer Society, which have already incorporated home-based self-collection into their screening guidelines. He suggested that broader policy updates could further reduce inequities in access to cervical cancer screening.