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WASHINGTON, January 26, 2026 – Cervical cancer screening just got a little more flexible, and a lot more focused on the human papillomavirus (HPV). At the end of 2025,the American Cancer Society (ACS) updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines,and in January 2026,the Health Resources and Services Governance (HRSA) followed suit with its own endorsement. While both organizations largely agree on the path forward, a few key differences could impact when and how often you’ll need a checkup.
New Guidelines Offer More Screening Options
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The updated recommendations prioritize HPV testing and embrace at-home sample collection, aiming to make preventative care more accessible.
- Both the ACS and HRSA now favor HPV primary testing for individuals aged 30-65.
- Self-collected HPV tests are now considered acceptable by both organizations.
- Screening can generally end at age 65 with a history of normal tests.
- The recommended starting age for screening differs between the ACS (25) and HRSA (21).
Cervical cancer is largely preventable, thanks to regular screening. The vast majority of cases – approximately 70% – are caused by high-risk types of HPV, making HPV testing a powerful tool for early detection.
HPV Testing: The New standard
If HPV primary testing isn’t available, both organizations suggest “co-testing,” which combines an HPV test with a Pap test.And if even that isn’t an option, a Pap test alone remains a viable choice. The shift towards HPV testing isn’t just about accuracy; it also opens the door to more convenient screening options.
Self-Collection: A Game Changer
Traditionally, HPV and pap tests required a visit to a healthcare provider for sample collection during a pelvic exam. That can be a barrier for many, whether due to discomfort, lack of access, or simply scheduling challenges. Now, both the ACS and HRSA acknowledge that self-collected HPV tests are perfectly acceptable. The ACS notes that while provider-collected samples are preferred, self-collection offers a valuable alternative when access is limited. This means screening can possibly happen at a primary care doctor’s office, an urgent care clinic, a mobile health unit, or even, in some cases, at home.
How Often Should You Be Screened?
The frequency of screening depends on the type of test and how the sample was collected. If you have normal results from HPV primary testing or co-testing with a provider-collected sample, you can wait five years for yoru next screening. If you self-collect your HPV sample and the results are normal, the ACS recommends a follow-up in just three years-a distinction not included in the HRSA guidelines. those who receive only a Pap test and have normal results should return in three years. Of course, any abnormal results will likely necessitate more frequent monitoring.
When Can You Stop Screening?
Generally, screening can end at age 65 if previous test results have been consistently normal. The ACS specifies a decade of normal results-negative HPV tests at ages 60 and 65, or three consecutive negative Pap tests, with the last one at age 65.HRSA’s guidelines are less specific about past results but also recommend stopping screening at 65 with a history of normal tests.
What About Younger individuals?
Here’s where the guidelines diverge slightly. The ACS recommends starting cervical cancer screening at age 25, citing the rarity of cervical cancer in younger people. HRSA, however, suggests beginning Pap tests every three years between ages 21 and 29, transitioning to HPV primary testing or co-testing at age 30.
Ultimately, the specific screening test you receive will likely depend on what your healthcare provider offers. With both sets of guidelines leaning towards HPV primary testing,more providers are expected to adopt this method in the coming years. HRSA’s guidelines also have implications for insurance coverage, as most private insurance companies are required to cover recommended testing options and follow-up care without copays, starting in 2027.
The bottom line? Regular cervical cancer screening remains crucial for everyone with a cervix. If you have any questions about your individual risk factors or
