Self-collection testing for human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common cause of cervical cancer, is FDA-approved and does not require a pelvic exam. Patients and providers have hailed the practice as a better option that will save lives by lowering the barrier to HPV testing and preventing advanced cervical cancer with early treatment. 

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and patients of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC) now have access to a compassionate, lower-stress method of getting tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common cause of cervical cancer. Self-collection HPV testing is now available as an option for patients aged 30 years and older at all nine of PPOSBC’s health centers in Orange and San Bernardino Counties. Self-collection HPV testing is FDA-approved, performed by the patient in privacy at a PPOSBC health center, and can be easily added to any existing appointment; no pelvic examination is necessary. 

HPV, which is extremely common in the U.S., has multiple strains, some of which can cause cancer. HPV vaccination protects against many of these strains, and most HPV infections (9 out of 10) clear on their own within two years. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV still infects about 13 million Americans and causes 36,000 new cancer cases each year, so it’s essential for every adult to be screened as recommended. 

PPOSBC is one of the first Planned Parenthood affiliates in the state of California to offer self-collection HPV testing to patients. Previously, patients were required to do a full pelvic exam just to test for cervical cancer. Now, patients over 30 will be offered the option to self-collect.

Those who elect to do so are given a test kit and instructions, along with privacy to collect the sample themselves in the exam room. The test results will be sent off to a lab for diagnostics. Test results are ready within three days. Patients who test positive for HPV are called back for further screening, which may include a pelvic exam and a test to find abnormal cells (often called a Pap test). If the HPV test is positive for certain strains or abnormal cells are found, then a colposcopy or LEEP procedure is recommended. All of these services are available through PPOSBC. 

PPOSBC providers have reported that many patients appreciate having the option for self-collection HPV testing, and hope it will lead to earlier detection of possible cervical cancers. 

“At Planned Parenthood, we prioritize patient choice, compassionate care, and effective cancer screening programs that save lives,” said Janet Jacobson, M.D., medical director, PPOSBC.  “Pelvic exams aren’t an easy experience for anyone, and they are particularly stressful for patients who are not prepared or have a history of sexual trauma or pain. Self-screening lowers this barrier, and we are pleased to offer it to all patients over 30. The earlier we can catch HPV, the easier it is for patients to monitor their health via regular screening and get any treatment they may need.” 

“Our doors are open, and we are here to provide care no matter what,” said Krista Hollinger, President and CEO, PPOSBC. “We are proud to offer this level of compassionate, patient-centered care that makes it easier for women to get lifesaving cervical cancer screenings. If you are as committed as we are to ensuring that all patients have choices and access to quality, comprehensive healthcare, we need–and are incredibly grateful for–all the help and support you can provide.”

To learn more about PPOSBC’s work, please visit: www.pposbc.org 

To donate to PPOSBC, click here.  

About Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties

With over 260,000 medical visits last year, Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC) provided birth control, cancer screening, including Pap tests and breast exams, STI testing and treatment, and abortion services to the community. Services are high-quality, confidential, and affordable. No one is turned away, regardless of insurance, income, or immigration status. Established in 1965, PPOSBC is currently one of the largest Planned Parenthood affiliates in the United States by patient volume, and it provides more patient services than any other affiliate in the nation. Learn more at www.pposbc.org.