People are accepting of and prefer self-testing for human papilloma virus (HPV), rather than having a clinician-led cervical smear test, but there is a lack of knowledge about the new cervical screening process, University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka research shows.
Published today in the Journal of Primary Health Care, the research reveals that HPV self-testing (a vaginal swab) was widely accepted and preferred by people for cervical screening, but gaps were identified in their knowledge about the new process.
Lead author Dr Sally Rose from the Department of Primary Health care and General Practice at the University of Otago, Wellington, says most people chose to be screened using a self-test and the majority found it highly acceptable.“However, gaps were identified in participant’s knowledge and understanding about the new test, how it differs to the old screening method and what results mean.
“Education, information provision and clear communication at all stages of the screening pathway are important for patient understanding and confidence in this new screening process.”
The National Cervical Screening Programme changed in September 2023, with the option to self-test introduced through primary care. People have the option to choose a self-test with a vaginal swab or have a health professional undertake a cervical HPV test (similar to a smear test).
HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer and can be detected from a self-collected vaginal swab with comparable sensitivity and specificity. If HPV is detected, then depending on the result, people will go on to have a clinician-led cervical cytology test (formerly known as a smear test) or be referred to a specialist for further testing.
One of the study’s authors, Associate Professor Peter Sykes from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Otago, Christchurch, says cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.