The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **ACS Unveils Game-Changing Cervical Cancer Screening Updates** The American Cancer Society (ACS) has rolled out refreshed guidelines for cervical cancer screening, spotlighting self-collection options and clearer exit strategies to boost access and cut risks.[1][2][5] **Key Change #1: Self-Collection Now Okay for HPV Testing** Average-risk folks with a cervix can now kick off screening at age 25 using self-collected vaginal samples for primary HPV tests—though clinician-collected ones are still the gold standard.[1][3][5] These self-samples work for primary HPV every five years if done by a provider, but if negative from self-collection, repeat in three years due to data gaps on long-term performance.[2][3] **Standard Screening Roadmap Stays Solid** Primary HPV testing every five years through age 65 tops the list; no HPV access means co-testing (HPV plus Pap) every five years or Pap alone every three.[1][3][6] HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers, so catching persistent infections early is the game plan.[1] **When to Wave Goodbye to Screenings** Safely stop at 65 after negative primary HPV or co-tests at ages 60 and 65, or three straight negative Paps with the last at 65.[1][2][3] No screening needed under 25 (rare cases), post-65 with clean history, or after hysterectomy sans high-grade history.[1][4] **Why the Shake-Up Now?** FDA greenlit self-collection tools, research advanced detection, and ACS aims to hike screening rates amid dropping U.S. cervical cancer stats.[1][5] Dr. Robert Smith notes these tweaks evolve with science to widen access and slash disease odds.[1] **Who Qualifies as Average Risk?** Think asymptomatic with a cervix, solid screening history or first-timers—no high-risk flags like odd bleeding.[4] Chat with your doc for personalized tweaks based on history.[4] **Bottom Line for Readers** These updates make screening easier at home or clinic—grab that HPV test and stay ahead of cervical cancer.[5] Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9