Cancer 2026

Background: Primary screening utilizing human papillomavirus (HPV) detection has proven more effective than traditional cervical cytology. Self-collection offers a highly convenient, cost-effective alternative to clinician-led sampling that can expand screening coverage. However, its diagnostic efficacy and patient acceptability must be validated against traditional clinical sampling to support wider implementation.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficacy of patient self-collected cervical samples against clinician-collected samples for HPV detection, and to evaluate patient-reported acceptability and preference for the self-sampling technique.

Methods: A pilot study was conducted with 100 eligible women (aged 25–65) attending an outpatient gynaecology clinic. Paired samples were obtained from each participant: first via a self-sampling device, followed by a clinician-collected sample. All specimens were evaluated using the Aptima HPV assay to detect E6/E7 mRNA for 14 high-risk HPV types. Post-procedure, participants completed a structured questionnaire evaluating their experience.

Results: Strong diagnostic agreement was observed between the two sampling modalities. The HPV positivity rate was 9% (9/100) for self-collected samples and 11% (11/100) for clinician-collected samples, demonstrating identical clinical results in 98% of cases. Survey feedback indicated excellent patient acceptability: 95% of participants found self-sampling easy or very easy, 92.8% rated it comfortable or very comfortable, and 85.7% reported feeling no pain. Overall, 50% of the women explicitly preferred self-sampling over traditional clinician collection.

Conclusion: HPV self-sampling demonstrates strong diagnostic concordance with clinician-led sampling and achieves high patient acceptability and preference. Implementing self-sampling models, such as home-use kits, offers a viable strategy to scale up cervical screening uptake, reduce clinical infrastructure strain, and support the WHO target of 70% global screening coverage by 2030.

Dr. Amechi Williams Igochukwu is a trained Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialist and Specialty Doctor at Kettering General Hospital, NHS. United Kingdom, With over 10 years of experience, he qualified as a doctor in 2010 and had his formal O&G residency in Nigeria. He has extensive international NGO experience as a gynaecology expatriate with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and CUAMM/Doctors with Africa, serving in Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Northern Nigeria. A dedicated husband and father to three lovely children. His passion is delivering excellent, compassionate women’s healthcare globally.