For the first time, cervical cancer screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force include self-collection of HPV samples for females starting at age 30, which could help make screening more accessible.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said the draft recommendations aim to avoid unnecessary follow-up tests and procedures.

Testing for high-risk human papillomaviruses every five years – even with a self-collected sample – is the “preferred screening strategy” for cervical cancer starting at age 30, according to a new draft recommendation from the US Preventive Services Task Force.

A new proposal recommends replacing routine pap smears with HPV testing every five years for women over 30, signaling a serious shift in cervical cancer screening guidelines.