Advancing cervical cancer screening through self-collection

However, due to economic, social, and structural barriers, cervical cancer disproportionately impacts underserved and vulnerable populations, including women living with HIV.2 Fortunately, new technologies in HPV testing through self-collection are seeking to close this gap. 

In this interview, we speak with Vanessa Bennett, Roche’s Senior International Business Leader, Oncology Assays, about the global state of cervical cancer,  and how HPV self-collection testing is helping to pave the way for a world without this devastating disease.

Healthcare Transformers: Thank you for joining us to talk about such an important topic today. Can you tell us a little bit about the state of cervical cancer globally, and the differences between high-income and low- and middle-income countries when it comes to cervical cancer?

Vanessa Bennett:  According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), if we don’t act nearly a million new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed by 2050, with over half of those affected losing their lives.³

Some high-income countries, like Australia and the Nordics, are on the brink of eliminating cervical cancer, thanks to robust screening and vaccination programs. But it’s not a simple rich vs. poor country divide. The U.S., for example, doesn’t have a national screening program, so access varies drastically across the country. Some areas have excellent coverage, while others look more like low- and middle-income countries in terms of screening rates.

On the bright side, we’re seeing major progress in middle-income countries like Brazil, Peru, and Chile. These countries are scaling up national programs and incorporating self-collection methods to reach people who haven’t previously been screened. Since 84-90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, closing this gap is critical.²

HT: Given that cervical cancer is preventable, what’s stopping people from getting screened?

Vanessa Bennett:  There are numerous barriers. For many, it’s an economic issue. If a woman has to take time off work to get screened and that means her family won’t have food on the table, healthcare takes a back seat.

Then there’s the issue of comfort, or lack thereof. Let’s be honest, the speculum isn’t exactly the most pleasant medical device ever invented. For some, especially survivors of sexual trauma, for example, it’s not just uncomfortable, it’s traumatic.

In many countries, the majority of gynecologists are male, which can be a deterrent for cultural or religious reasons. In the U.S., Black and Latina women are significantly more likely to die from cervical cancer than white women. That’s not a failure of screening technology; that’s a failure of the healthcare system.

And then there are logistical issues, such as transportation, lack of primary care providers, and, in some cases, lack of insurance. Even when screening is technically covered, the downstream costs of additional testing and treatment can be overwhelming.

HT: You mentioned some of the barriers that can prevent women from testing for HPV. Can you tell us more about recent advancements with HPV self-collection and its potential to address some of these challenges?

Vanessa Bennett: Absolutely. The biggest barriers, such as discomfort with a male physician, fear of the speculum, or difficulty accessing a clinic, are exactly what prevent us from reaching the WHO’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer. That goal isn’t just aspirational—it’s possible, but we have to reach more people.

So, instead of forcing the traditional healthcare model, we asked: what if we flipped the approach? We’ve seen it work with home glucose monitors for diabetes and COVID-19 self-testing. When given the right tools, people can test themselves, and this thinking led to the new technology of self-collection for cervical screening.

Not every part of this test needs to happen in a doctor’s office. We can separate sample collection from lab processing, bringing screening into communities and making it more accessible. While there were technical and regulatory hurdles, these were solvable, and now we have a tool that empowers people to take control of their health in a way that works for them.

HT: When it comes to HPV self-collection testing, how can it be implemented and/or integrated into the existing continuum of care?

Vanessa Bennett: Great question! The key thing to know is that the molecular PCR test is the same whether a clinician or an individual collects the sample. The only difference is who collects it. Self-collection maintains the same high standard of accuracy and quality, making it a reliable option.

There’s a common misconception that self-collection is a second-tier test, but that’s not the case at all. The science is strong, and this method simply offers a more accessible way to screen, especially for those facing barriers to traditional testing.

The process is straightforward: a soft-tipped swab, similar to a long Q-tip, is inserted up to a marked point, rotated a few times, and then placed in a vial for lab analysis. The sample stays viable for up to 30 days, providing flexibility for processing.

HPV testing through self-collection can be done at clinics, lab centers, community health events, or mobile units—ensuring testing reaches more people where they are. This approach isn’t about replacing clinician-collected samples—it’s about expanding options and making screening more available for everyone.

Sharing the mission to eliminate cervical cancer

HT: Given that we have the technology in hand to eliminate cervical cancer globally, what is required from your perspective to make that happen?

Vanessa Bennett: Eliminating cervical cancer is possible but it requires a multi-pronged approach. Widespread HPV vaccination and robust screening programs are key. While vaccines prevent many cases, screening catches those at risk who weren’t vaccinated.

Sustainable funding and government commitment are crucial to integrating these efforts into national healthcare systems. Infrastructure must support not just the screening, but also the follow-up care to ensure early and appropriate treatment.

Equally important is community engagement. Trusted local voices, such as healthcare providers, midwives, and advocates, can educate and encourage participation. Technology alone isn’t enough: policy and education must align to make elimination a reality.

Your health matters

HT: Is there anything else that you wish to emphasize, or anything else you would like to share with our audience when it comes to HPV and cervical cancer?

Vanessa Bennett: Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers we can eliminate, but only if people take action. Get vaccinated, get screened, and encourage others to do the same. If you’ve been putting off screening, don’t wait. If the speculum has been a barrier for you, self-collection could be the option that finally makes screening accessible, so use it. Your health matters, for you and your community.

Check with your doctor or local health department to see if self-collection is available. We’re working toward making self-collection a standard option, but the most important thing is to get screened—whatever way works for you. Screening saves lives.