HPV Tests Go Rogue: Testing for Cervical Cancer at Home Could Save Lives
Published Feb 5, 2014
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Home Testing for HPV
Today, screenings are part of a person’s normal medical checkup. In particular, certain cancer screenings are administered and are useful for catching the disease early on. This generally makes it easier to treat the disease and carries with it a far better prognosis. Medical experts are happy that this is especially effective with one kind of cancer in particular. Cervical cancer, which is caused by the humanpapilloma virus, or HPV for short, has become easier to detect because of this test. Doctors are hoping, however, that more will be tested, and the risk of cervical cancer can be reduced further.
Certain institutions have programs geared to cancer screening. In particular, the screenings for HPV have not only proven effective, but reach a large percentage of the population. This is done with what is called a smear test. Currently, researchers are happy to report that most cases of cervical cancer found through smear testing can be cured. Doctors hope, however, that with improved home testing, even more can be accurately screened for the virus. The problem lies in waiting to be screened for this type of cancer; medical researchers are also concerned that the disease may progress quickly for infected patients who don’t get tested at all.
Home test kits seem to be an option worth looking into. Unfortunately, current kits available on the market are difficult to use, and can be expensive as well. The good news is that there are simpler test kits that have been devised and tested. These have proven themselves just as accurate as the smear test and women are more likely to use them. In a study performed by one doctor, a number of women were sent the new, easy-to-understand test kit, and nearly 15 percent responded and sent the test back. Though not an ideal percentage, it is definitely a start.
Creating home testing kits for HPV may encourage more women to take advantage of them. This in turn could lead to a higher percentage of the population being screened. Older women aged 65 and above also have the potential for developing this type of cancer and would benefit from easier methods of screening.
