HPV self-test boosts cervical cancer screening ‘across the board,’ study confirms

Making human papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing available to all women increases the number of people screened for cervical cancer, a new study led by researchers from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has confirmed. The study, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, shows offering the HPV self-test lifts screening rates among everyone eligible, not just among those who have previously been under-screened for cervical cancer.

“We know from our previous research the HPV self-test is acceptable and accessible for under- and never-screened wāhine Māori. This new study proves HPV self-testing is a game changer, lifting cervical cancer screening rates for all women and people with a cervix,” said Professor Bev Lawton, lead author of the study and director of the University’s Te Tātai Hauora o Hine—National Center for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa.

The study, which took place before HPV self-testing was rolled out nationwide in September 2023, included 22,511 people enrolled in 14 GP practices in Te Tai Tokerau Northland. Half the practices offered HPV self-testing and half offered a vaginal speculum exam by a doctor or nurse, the standard screening method before self-testing was introduced.

During the study period, which ran from February 2022 to September 2023, screening coverage was 10.8% higher among practices offering self-testing. Coverage was higher for all groups, including both Māori and non-Māori populations.

“The evidence is clear. Universal HPV self-testing offered through primary care increases screening coverage, which reduces illness and death caused by cervical cancer. Millions of people around the world can be spared an invasive vaginal speculum exam by doing their own HPV test,” said Professor Lawton.

HPV causes 95% of cervical cancers. Since HPV self-testing was introduced in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023, 81% of those being screened have opted to self-test. In the two years to July 2025, screening coverage rose by 7.4%.

“Our new study adds to the evidence HPV self-testing lifts screening rates across the board. This effect has been clearly demonstrated in Aotearoa New Zealand, where the introduction of universal HPV self-testing—guided by this research—has led to a marked increase in coverage,” said Professor Lawton.

Professor Lawton and her colleagues are discussing the study findings at an international conference on HPV, being held this week in Austria.

“Cervical cancer is now preventable but remains a problem in many countries due to programs not reaching high coverage levels. We believe all national cervical screening programs should urgently consider a universal offer of HPV self-testing through primary care.

“HPV self-testing—offered by trusted providers, with training and on-going education for primary care staff, and supported by clinic ‘champions’—contributes to successful screening programs. Universal HPV self-testing is acceptable, safe, and increases screening coverage. This will reduce harm, save lives, and make an important contribution to the equitable elimination of cervical cancer worldwide,” said Professor Lawton.