Effectiveness of Human Papillomavirus Self-Collection for Cervical Cancer Screening in Community Outreach Programs.

CONTEXT.—: On May 14, 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved self-collected vaginal samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, expanding cervical cancer screening access.

OBJECTIVE.—: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of HPV self-collection through community outreach programs targeting underscreened populations in Oregon.

DESIGN.—: From October 2024 to June 2025, women aged 25 to 65 years were recruited through local organizations. Following instruction by pathologists, participants completed self-collection by using Copan swabs, which were transferred to ThinPrep media for high-risk HPV testing using the Cobas 8800 system. Postcollection surveys assessed user experience.

RESULTS.—: Among 156 participants (mean age, 47.1 years), 87 (55.8%) identified as Hispanic and 69 (44.2%) as non-Hispanic. Racial groups included Hispanic White (87; 55.8%), Asian (33; 21.1%), Black (16; 10.3%), non-Hispanic White (14; 9.0%), Pacific Islander (2; 1.3%), and nondisclosed (4; 2.5%). All tests were valid; 10 participants (6.4%) were HPV-positive, including 1 with HPV-18 and 9 with non-16/18 types. Follow-up cytology showed 1 case of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and 2 negative results; the remainder are pending follow-up. Of 129 survey respondents, 8 (6.2%) had received the HPV vaccine. Overall, 117 (90.7%) found the self-collection kit easy to use, 114 (88.4%) would recommend it, and 91 (70.6%) were likely to choose self-collection over clinician-collected samples for future testing. Common feedback included convenience, comfort, and privacy.

CONCLUSIONS.—: HPV self-collection is a practical, user-friendly, and accessible screening option. Pathologist-led outreach may help close screening gaps. This study represents the first academic center-led implementation of FDA-approved self-collection in US community settings.