Mail-in self-collection tests for human papillomavirus (HPV) have been shown to significantly increase cervical cancer screening participation among never- and under-screened women in the United States, according to a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The study, known as PRESTIS, was published in JAMA Internal Medicine and revealed that women who received self-collection tests along with a telephone reminder were 41% more likely to participate in cervical cancer screening compared to those who only received a telephone reminder. Additionally, when patient navigation support was added to the self-collection tests and telephone reminder, participation rates increased to 47%.
Lead author Jane Montealegre, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of addressing disparities in cervical cancer screening, particularly among uninsured women, those in rural areas, and marginalized communities. The results of the study indicate that self-collection testing could be a key solution to improving access to screening and reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the U.S.
The FDA’s approval of the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer in May 2025 marked a significant milestone in the fight against this disease, which affects thousands of women each year. Despite advances in HPV vaccination and in-office screening, disparities in cervical cancer outcomes persist, especially for women of color and those in low-income areas.
During the PRESTIS study, nearly 2,500 women aged 30-65 from the Houston area participated in one of three screening intervention approaches. The majority of participants were from ethnic/racial minoritized populations, and over half were covered by publicly funded financial assistance programs. The study found that over 80% of women in the self-collection groups returned their kits, demonstrating a preference for this approach within the patient population.
As self-collection tests become more widely available in the U.S., the researchers stress the importance of ensuring that they are accessible in clinics and health centers that serve underserved populations. By removing barriers to screening, they hope to see increased uptake of evidence-based tests and significant progress in preventing cervical cancer.
Future research will focus on integrating self-collection HPV tests into various primary care settings to further improve screening rates. While the PRESTIS study has provided valuable insights, limitations such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, reasons for participation refusal, and barriers related to mailing test kits to homes need to be addressed in future research.
For more information on the study, you can visit JAMA Internal Medicine’s website. This research was conducted by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a leading institution in cancer research and treatment.
In conclusion, the findings of the PRESTIS study highlight the potential of self-collection tests in increasing cervical cancer screening participation and reducing disparities in outcomes. With continued research and implementation efforts, self-collection testing could play a crucial role in preventing and detecting cervical cancer in at-risk populations.
