Self-sampling for human papillomavirus genetic screening: a new method for cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women in Taiwan, is primarily caused by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. To improve cervical cancer screening rates, the Taiwanese government provides options for HPV DNA testing or self-sampling for women who are unable to visit a clinic or have not undergone a Pap smear in more than 6 years. However, in 2021, approximately 2.78 million women aged 36 years or older in Taiwan had not undergone cervical cancer screening in the preceding 6 years. This article compares Pap smear results with HPV DNA screening results and introduces a new method of HPV DNA selfsampling. Studies have indicated that HPV DNA screening is more sensitive than traditional Pap smears and that women with a negative result from such a screening can extend the screening interval, thereby improving screening efficiency. Self-sampling provides highly consistent results with comparable sensitivity (to Pap smears) while offering greater convenience and privacy protection for women, effectively reducing feelings of embarrassment and anxiety. Although a minority of women may experience slight discomfort after self-sampling, most women prefer this method, suggesting that self-sampling could become a popular and effective cervical cancer screening option in Taiwan in the future.