Uptake of Cervical Self-Collection Shows Strong Growth
24 Feb 2026
The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, found uptake was highest among women who were long overdue for screening, those living in very remote or disadvantaged areas, and women aged 70–74. These results highlight self-collection as an effective way to reach groups historically less likely to participate in cervical screening.
Dr Sara Whitburn, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Sexual and Reproductive Health, told newsGP that self-collection has been a “big positive” for overall screening rates.
“Self-collection is a useful tool, and giving people options helps support under-screened populations,” she said.
Australia moved to primary HPV testing in 2017, with self-collection initially limited to women aged 30 and over who were at least two years overdue or had never screened. In July 2022, eligibility expanded to all women aged 25–74, offering self-collection alongside clinician-collected tests to reduce participation barriers.
The Lancet study analysed nearly five million valid HPV tests between 2017 and mid-2023. In the first year after expanded eligibility, over 420,000 women were screened, with more than 63,000 testing HPV positive. HPV detection rates were higher in self-collected samples (16.4%) than clinician-collected samples (14.8%), reflecting differences in the populations choosing self-collection.
Dr Whitburn noted that follow-up tends to be quicker for clinician-collected samples, partly due to patients’ direct contact with their GP during testing. She stressed the importance of strong systems for recall, pre-test counselling, and follow-up support to ensure women complete any required care after self-collection.
The authors concluded that self-collection is not a standalone solution but plays a vital role in improving equity in cervical screening. Combined with the national HPV vaccination program, it is helping Australia move closer to the 2035 targets for cervical cancer elimination.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: newsGP