Sometimes, healthcare can be so simple.
Ryan Health is offering a new HPV Self Swab that screens for cervical cancer. It takes just seconds and doesn’t even require a provider visit. HPV is the human papillomavirus, which is a common infection that can cause certain types of cancers.
“For many years, cervical cancer rates were decreasing but recently we are seeing increases in rates, most commonly in people who aren’t up to date with screening,” says Meredith Gentes, FNP-BC, CDCES, Chief of Population Health at Ryan Health. “Cervical cancer screening can prevent cancer by finding and treating early changes before they turn into cancer.”
The new HPV Self Swab is simple. In privacy, you insert a Q-Tip-like swab in your vagina to collect the sample for 10 to 30 seconds, place the swab in a tube, and hand it to the nurse. Results are generally available from the lab in a day or two.
The HPV Self Swab is a big change from the PAP smears that are common for cervical cancer screening. These pelvic exams can be uncomfortable, especially for those who might have physical disabilities or some other conditions like anxiety or trauma.
This self-test screening does not need to be repeated for five years, just like a traditional pap smear. It’s for people ages 30 through 65 with no history of abnormal cervical cancer screenings. Anyone who has any gynecological concerns like abnormal bleeding or pain or is living with HIV should continue having a full exam. Patients aged 21-29 should also continue to have a full pap smear.
The American Cancer Society reported earlier this year that cervical cancer rates increased by 1.7% in women ages 30 to 44 between 2012 and 2019. More than half of new cases occur in women who haven’t been screened in five years.
Vaccination is also an important part of cervical cancer prevention. The HPV vaccine is recommended for children starting at age nine, prior to the start of sexual activity when it is most effective and can be given up to age 45.
“When someone tests positive for HPV we monitor their status closely,” Gentes says. “Most of the time the body eliminates HPV on its own. But that can be hard to predict, that’s why screening is so important.”
Scheduling for the HPV Self Swab is as easy as using it is!
“You can schedule the HPV Self Swab anytime. You don’t need to see a provider, but you do need to conduct the test at Ryan Health,” Gentes says. “Schedule an appointment or just ask about it when you’re next in for your visit.”
Quick Summary:
- Starting at Ages 9-14: Patients of all genders should receive HPV vaccines (two shots)
- Ages 15+: Patients of all genders who have not received the HPV vaccine at earlier ages now require three shots for coverage
- Ages 21-30: Cervical cancer screenings are done through pap smears.
- Ages 30-65: Cervical cancer screenings are done in most cases with the HPV Self Swab or pap smears.
To make an appointment for the HPV Self Swab, use our Online Scheduler or call 212-749-1820.