For the first time, women in the United States have the ability to self-collect a sample to screen for human papillomavirus (HPV). This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two self-swab tests from global medical technology company Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) and pharmaceutical company Roche Holding AG for 'clinical' use, meaning in a private room inside a doctor's office, mobile clinic, or another health care setting.
Advocates hope that by having a less intrusive option, more women, especially those living in underserved areas, can get screened for HPV. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. and can lead to several potentially deadly cancers, including cervical cancer. Every year, HPV causes about 37,000 cases of cancer in both men and women in the U.S., according to the federal health agency.
Collection
[
|
...
]