Sep 11, 2025
In this episode of The Cancering Show, host Dr. Jennifer Young
Pierce talks with Dr. Rebecca Perkins, a nationally recognized
expert in cervical cancer prevention, about the latest updates in
HPV testing and cervical cancer screening. They emphasize that HPV
(human papillomavirus) is linked to virtually all cervical cancers
(and several other cancers in men and women), and that testing for
high-risk HPV is better at catching problems early compared with
the traditional Pap test. The episode highlights new
self-collection kits, in which patients can collect their own
sample, usually at a doctor’s office, to make screening easier
without a pelvic exam. However, if the test result is positive, the
patient will need to follow up with a doctor for further tests.
Home testing kits are also being introduced, but they’re not widely
available yet. The main takeaway is that knowing your HPV status is
crucial for preventing cervical cancer, and self-collection options
will make screening more accessible for many people in the future.
Listeners are encouraged to talk to their doctor about the best
screening option for them and to always follow up after a positive
test. Resources such as the American Cancer Society’s “Screening Tests for Cervical
Cancer” and cervicalrisk.com are recommended for more
information.
3 Key Takeaways
1. HPV testing is more effective than the Pap test
alone.
The conversation emphasizes that HPV causes the
vast majority of cervical cancers (99.7%), making HPV testing a
critical component of early detection. Dr. Perkins explains that
HPV testing can detect about 90% of pre-cancers and cancers,
compared to roughly 70% with Pap tests. Because of its higher
sensitivity, HPV testing can be done less frequently while still
providing strong protection.
2. Self-collection for HPV testing expands access to screening. Self-collection kits for HPV testing, which allow patients to collect their own samples in a clinic setting without a pelvic exam, are becoming more available.This approach encourages cervical cancer screening for individuals who may avoid or delay pelvic exams and helps integrate screening into primary care, family medicine, and even mobile clinics. While at-home kits are still not widely available, in-clinic self-collection is currently a promising step toward improving screening rates.
3. Follow-up after a positive HPV test is
essential.
If a patient tests positive for high-risk HPV,
especially types 16 or 18, it is important to follow up with
additional testing or procedures, such as colposcopy, to check for
pre-cancerous changes.The episode stresses that no one who tests
positive for high-risk HPV should wait longer than one year for
further evaluation, underlining the importance of timely follow-up
to prevent cervical cancer.
Show Overview
02:17 Meet Rebecca Perkins, MD, MSc
03:11 HPV test vs. Pap test
04:55 Know your status
05:19 What to know if your HPV test is positive
08:39 HPV self-collection
10:48 Who should see a doctor for an exam?
14:00 Types of self-collection
18:50 HPV vaccine has reduced cervical cancer rates
20:28 Importance of follow-up after positive test results
21:15 When will home self-collection be available?
24:12 Where to find out more
