January 7, 2026- The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced updated cervical cancer screening guidelines that include a new option for women to self-collect samples for screening. The updated guideline also designates high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing, whether collected by a patient or a clinician, as the preferred screening modality for average-risk women ages 30-65, while retaining the option for cervical cytology (Pap) testing. For average-risk women ages 21-29, cervical cancer screening using cervical cytology (Pap) is recommended.
Additionally, the guideline includes new language requiring most insurance plans to cover any additional testing needed to complete the screening process for malignancies. These insurance providers are required to begin coverage of this new screening guideline beginning January 1, 2027.