Whether you’ve just received a medical diagnosis or you’re making your way through a maze of different providers, insurance policies, and doctor lingo, navigating the healthcare system can be hard. Especially because when it comes to our health, emotions like fear and anxiety can run high. 

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Now you may be thinking: Heightened emotions on top of a confusing system and then tell me to advocate for myself!? It sounds like a tall order, but you’ve got this. To help us make sense of this complex process, we turned to Katie Nicole, LCSW, Director of Community Health for Planned Parenthood Northern California. 

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Acknowledge vulnerability

Navigating the healthcare system is complicated. Have you ever scheduled a doctor appointment only to be told you need to see a different type of specialist, or multiple providers across town? Or you simply don’t understand what exactly your doctor is testing you for? Or you are asking about something specific and feel like that issue is being ignored or brushed to the side? Unless you’re a medical professional (and maybe even then!), you can probably relate to at least one of these examples. 

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There’s something inherently vulnerable about not being in full control of a situation. With healthcare, as patients, we rarely are.

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Katie says, “Ask for what you need. Be honest with yourself and with your provider.” This can be as simple as, “I don’t understand what we’re testing for with this bloodwork, can you please explain it to me?” It can also be highly personal, like a cancer patient asking her doctor for fertility resources ahead of starting chemotherapy because she knows she wants to have a family one day. Of this example, Katie says, “It’s vulnerable to say, ‘I still want to be able to have kids and I’m empowered to fight this cancer.’ The two can co-exist.”

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Whether you’re asking for help, clarification, or advice, these questions can make us feel like we’re leaving the driver’s seat of our own life.

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Acknowledge the discomfort you may feel while remembering that the more you know, the more empowered you become to make your own decisions. 

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Trust your gut when it comes to providers

It’s wise to ask questions - no one is as invested in your health as you are. Trust yourself. Katie says, “Trust your spidey sense. If you’re not connecting with your provider, you can switch. Ask yourself: Do I trust this person? Am I OK being under the care of this person? You may not be OK with the news [or diagnosis] and you may feel overwhelmed and fearful, which are normal feelings. But are you OK with this person being involved in your care? Do you feel like you’re in good hands?” 

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If the answer is no, you’re always entitled to ask for a second opinion. Your providers should encourage you to get a second opinion if it will make you more confident in your decisions. Their goal should be the same as yours — to ensure you have the best possible care and feel good about your plan. It’s very important that you feel heard and supported by your provider.

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Do your research, write down your questions 

You’ll feel more comfortable both asking questions and having them answered once you’ve done your research. This can feel overwhelming, but start small. Maybe you’ve had an abnormal cervical cancer screening and you’re waiting for a follow-up appointment with your doctor. In this case, “research” can ensure you understand what a cervical cancer screening is. There’s no need to go down a rabbit hole with Dr. Google. Just knowing what the test looks for, or what the symptoms may be is enough to get you on the same page as the doctor for your later conversation. 

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Once you’ve done that research, Katie recommends writing down your questions. “You’re going to forget because so much is swirling around in your head,” she explains. “Go with intention; ask yourself, what really matters to me?” In the example with the cancer patient and fertility treatment, her answer might be that family matters most. In thinking through beating cancer in order to enjoy life with her current and future family, it makes sense that fertility preservation would come up, and would be an excellent question to ask her doctor. 

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Sometimes, research may not have to do with a particular condition, but rather understanding an insurance question or what’s involved in making a decision regarding an elective procedure. Either way, having at least a better understanding of the matter at hand will leave you feeling empowered to ask questions of your provider, insurance carrier, or anyone else you may seek advice from in the medical field. 

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Bring support

Once you have your questions, grab a trusted partner, friend, or family member. Katie says, “When you’re emotionally dysregulated — flooded with emotions, super overwhelmed, or feeling as though the emotions are bigger than the issue at hand — your brain can only hold so much.” Having someone in the appointment to advocate both with you and on your behalf is a great way to ensure your questions — and voice — aren’t left behind. 

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And if you aren’t able to physically bring someone to your appointment, then thank goodness for technology. Ask your doctor if you can have someone join via Zoom, FaceTime, or even a phone call. And if no one in your support network is available, consider joining an online community or support group. If you don’t know of one or can’t find one, ask your healthcare provider and they will be able to point you in the right direction. Some clinics also offer health advocates who may be able to support you in your appointment.

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Whatever it is you’re going through, you can be your own best advocate, even if it may sound like a daunting task. By acknowledging the vulnerability of the process, doing your research, trusting yourself, and building a network of support around you, you’re well on your way to getting the answers — and care — you deserve.

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*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.

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*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.

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At Teal Health, we’re developing an at-home self-collection option – using the Teal Wand^TM – for cervical cancer screening. While this may sound like a mouthful, it’s an important concept to understand as we predict self-collect will become increasingly available within the medical field. Let’s take a look at exactly what self-collect means, and how it is already being used both in the US and globally.

In short, self-collect refers to the ability to collect one’s own sample to be analyzed for certain diseases and infections. To put that into context for cervical cancer screening, consider the current process. In the US today, getting screened for cervical cancer includes going to your medical provider for a pelvic exam. You first undress, put a robe on, and lay with your feet in stirrups. Your provider then accesses your cervix by using a speculum to hold the vaginal walls open. Next, they insert a brush and collect a sample from your cervix. With self-collection, the most uncomfortable aspects of the test — going to a doctor’s office and use of the speculum — are no longer needed.

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Here’s how that same exam will look with Teal Health’s self-collect device, the Teal Wand*: Your doctor or a Teal provider will prescribe your test (based on the most up-to-date cervical cancer screening guidelines), and then a kit with the Teal Wand will arrive in the mail. The Wand will help you self-collect a sample for primary HPV testing, the most sensitive test for HPV, the virus which causes almost all cervical cancer cases. To screen, you’ll insert the Teal Wand, which resembles a long tampon, into your vagina and collect your sample by extending the soft sponge towards your vagina and cervical area. You’ll seal up the sponge in an empty vial, send it to the lab, and then be notified once your results are available to view in your Teal account. The test takes less than five minutes and can be done in your own home — no stirrups, no speculum in sight.

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Self-collect isn’t as uncommon as you may think

If you’re wondering if self-collect is currently available in healthcare, look no further than the pandemic. We became all too familiar with swabbing our noses and throats to test for the COVID-19 virus. Other self-collection devices may use a lancet and finger prick to obtain a small blood sample. Still others may require patients to send in a stool sample (like the Cologuard). Any kit you obtain to test at home: your hormones, ancestry, food sensitivities, allergies, STIs, or fertility, is a form of self-collect. It’s important to note, however, that not all of these self-collect devices are rigorously tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and therefore not used for medical decision-making, so be sure to check before you rely on one for important test results. Teal Health’s Teal Wand is currently in clinical trials to support FDA submission and approval.

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Self-collect as part of the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer

In some countries, self-collection for cervical cancer is already a reality, not to mention a critical strategy toward the World Health Organization’s global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat. This initiative was the first time all Member States adopted a resolution to eliminate a disease with long term health consequences (like cancer), and demonstrates the global community’s acknowledgment that with the right strategies — like self-collect — we can eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern. Australia has vowed to become the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer, by 2035. Canada and England have pledged to do the same by 2040. Self-collection is a critical component of these countries’ strategies for doing so.

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The benefits of self-collect

The benefits of self-collection for cervical cancer are that it reduces barriers to screening such as access to care and fear or discomfort of the speculum exam.

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Another barrier to screening is lack of information, which is why it’s so important to spread the word with Teal Health. This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we’re donating up to 1,000 free screenings for every person who follows Teal Health’s Instagram account and shares this campaign message. Help us spread the word so women and people with a cervix can reap the benefits of self-collect, and together, we can eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern in the US.

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*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.

*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.

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This is your world, shape it or someone else will.

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The quote “This is your world, shape it or someone else will'' has always rang true with what we are doing at Teal Health. We’re on a mission to reshape women’s health starting with cervical cancer screenings. And today, we’re proud to announce that Teal Health’s clinical trial is underway to support the FDA approval of our at-home cervical cancer screening device collecting for hrHPV, the Teal Wand^TM. At Teal, our goal is to ensure that all women and people with a cervix are screened for cervical cancer by giving the option to comfortably, conveniently, and privately self-collect from home. 

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This is a milestone moment for the company, and we are thrilled to have such exceptional and well-respected clinical investigators and study sites, and phenomenal participants who are readily raising their hand to shape the future of cervical cancer screenings for all women and people with a cervix. It is truly a group effort and it has been so energizing to see the excitement for this study. Since launching the study about a month ago, we have had immediate traction and are nearly a quarter of the way through our study. We are so grateful for the passion and motivation across our 16 sites including Johns Hopkins, Yale University, University of Colorado, University of Wisconsin, Washington University, multiple Planned Parenthood locations, Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, Alabama Clinical Therapeutics/Birmingham OBGYN, Unified Women’s Clinical Research, and more still signing up. 

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This clinical study announcement comes during Cervical Cancer Awareness month, and on the heels of the Biden Women’s Health Initiative, which highlights “women have been understudied and underrepresented in health research for far too long. Research on women’s health is drastically underfunded, leading to significant research gaps, with serious consequences for the health of women across the country.” We’re dedicated to closing this gap, and lucky to have the funding from mission-aligned investors who understand the magnitude and importance of what we are doing. 

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Through this SELF-CERV study, we are paving the way for more women to understand the power they hold to be a part of leading research that affects them and their communities. 

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Holding the Highest of Standards

Teal Health is looking to make our national cervical cancer screening more accessible by bringing it home. It is absolutely critical that the rigorous standards of the FDA are met in order to keep women healthy and prevent cervical cancer. Teal’s study and the caliber of the institutions working with us are a testament to our commitment to safety and efficacy.

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Prior to this study, Teal conducted a 225+ person study, where we were able to prove that not only were women able to collect an adequate sample with equivalent results to that of the clinician collected sample, but that it was a much preferred experience.

• 97% of women said it was easy or very easy to use
• 94% said they would choose self-collect over the current standard of care with a clinician collecting
• 87% said they would be more likely to get screened if the Teal Wand were an option. 

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This is why we work so hard to do what we do. Women want and deserve a better option, one that gives them control over their own bodies.

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Self-collection is a much preferred alternative, and has already been adopted in other countries, including Australia and many European countries. Because they make HPV screening and vaccination options widely available, Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2035.

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More than just collection.

Teal Health is a complete cervical cancer screening and telehealth solution. As important as it is to screen, understanding those results and taking any required follow-up steps is critical to truly prevent cancer. We will offer everyone telehealth visits to understand their results as well as general gynecological preventive care. Half of US counties don't have an OBGYN. This shortage means that OBGYNs are overworked, and women aren’t able to access annual wellness and screenings specific to a women’s health journey. Teal is committed to closing the women's health gap. 

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Too important to wait.

While we look forward to being able to bring the Teal Wand to women and people with a cervix, getting screened is too important to wait. So if you are due for a screening, schedule one today!  Join our waitlist and follow us on instagram to be notified when a self-collection option is FDA approved.

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Hear more about what we’re building with Kara Egan’s presentation from Emerson Collective’s Dial Fellowship.

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*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.

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At Teal Health, we’re constantly thinking about the future of healthcare. In this (not so distant — sign up for our waitlist 👀) future, women can screen for cervical cancer from the comfort of their own homes — with no speculum in sight. In this future we’re working towards, we overcome the many barriers that prevent people from getting screened for this highly preventable disease. 

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A future that takes women’s health — and women’s pain — seriously is on the horizon, and we’re so ready for it. It’s been a long time coming. In honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, let’s take a look back through the history of cervical cancer screenings to better understand where we started, and where we’re going. 

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1870-1951: The speculum, Pap smear, and HeLa cells

While a mechanism resembling the modern speculum dates back to at least the Roman Empire, its invention is credited to James Marion Sims, the very controversial “father of gynecology,” in the 1870s. Sims tested the speculum (which is used for dilation and examination of the vagina) on enslaved Black women, often without anesthesia. 

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The legacy of using Black women’s bodies without consent to achieve gynecological progress unfortunately does not end with Sims. Before Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman, died from aggressive cervical cancer in 1951, clinicians extracted a slice of her cervical tissue without her consent. These cells reproduced themselves countless times and the “immortal” HeLa cells have contributed to countless medical breakthroughs over the decades and are said to have saved more than 10 million lives.

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Ten years before Henrietta Lacks died, the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear was introduced in 1941. The test was named after its inventor, George Papanicolaou. The Pap smear represents the first effort to detect early cancer. Prior to its invention, cervical cancer was the leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the US.

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1980-2006: HPV and cervical cancer

The 1980s brought on the discovery that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes more than 90 percent of cervical cancers. This evidence led to the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2006 for children and teens (and was later expanded to include young adults). According to the CDC, HPV vaccines are close to 100 percent effective for the prevention of persistent HPV infection. 

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In the 1990s, because of increased screening, the incidence of cervical cancer mortality declined by more than 70 percent from the 1950s. 

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2014-2020: Recommendations change for exams 

Up until 2014, Pap smears were the only test for cervical cancer. That year, the FDA approved the first test using HPV as the primary screen for cervical cancer. The HPV test is still performed with a speculum, but the collected sample is tested differently. The HPV test, which is a more sensitive screen for cervical cancer than the Pap smear, looks for the presence of the virus as opposed to abnormal cells. In 2020, the American Cancer Society endorsed the primary HPV test as the preferred screening test for cervical cancer.

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Also in 2014, the American College of Physicians argued that pelvic exams are not necessary for non-pregnant women who are not experiencing any problems. In 2018, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published similar recommendations.

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On November 17, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO), along with all 194 members, announced a global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Australia has vowed to become the first country in the world to do so, by 2035. Canada and England have pledged to do the same by 2040.

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2021-Present Day: Initiatives to end cancer and self-collect for Australians

Over half of the cervical cancer cases in the US are among women who have never been screened or are infrequently screened. As a result, in 2021, the National Cancer Institute launched its cervical cancer "Last Mile Initiative.” This initiative is to accelerate the approval of self-sampling for HPV testing. This will provide an alternative screening approach for people who do not or cannot access a clinic‐based, speculum exam for cervical cancer screening.

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In February 2022, the Biden-Harris administration reignited the Moonshot to End Cancer initiative and set a goal of reducing the cancer death rate by at least 50 percent over the next 25 years. The initiative includes a specific call to action to help ensure equitable access to screening and prevention through at-home, self-collect methods.

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In July 2022, self-collect for cervical cancer screening became available to all Australians. While self-collect was first introduced in the country in 2017, it was restricted to under-screened individuals. By introducing self-collect, Australia has seen the screening rates for cervical cancer rise and death rates drop. Australia aims to eradicate cervical cancer by 2035 (!!).

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2024 and beyond: The future Teal Health imagines

It’s time to put women in control of their screening experience. It’s been more than 150 years since the invention of the speculum, and it's still being used in clinics in the US to perform Pap smears and HPV tests, despite how uncomfortable it is for most body types. 

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The good news is, change is coming. Self-collect, including Teal’s Wand, are in clinical trials to support FDA submission in the US and improve access to this life-saving screening.

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*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.

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This cervical cancer awareness month, help Teal Health donate up to 1,000 free cervical cancer screenings! All it takes is a follow and share on Instagram. Learn more here.

Teal Health’s Take: It can be difficult to see cancer death rates everywhere we turn. The one positive about cervical cancer is that if detected early through routine screening, it is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer. But several barriers exist for routine screening. We are thankful to our community for sharing their stories and putting names to the numbers. We hope you find these inspiring and share the importance of cervical cancer screening with all the women in your life.

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When my results came back as irregular after a routine Pap smear in 2015, I wasn’t overly concerned. I had already been diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV) when I was 19, ten years prior. 

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But then my doctor ordered a colposcopy, in which they would take a biopsy from my cervix. I delayed this because it wasn’t made clear to me that this was an important follow-up, and like many young professionals, I had a busy life that I made the decision to prioritize; in hindsight, I wish I had understood the follow-up appointment should have been my priority. A few days after the colposcopy, my doctor called and asked me to come in for my results and to bring a support person along with me. For some reason, even that didn’t set off any alarm bells; I brought my boyfriend to the appointment and there, my doctor told me I had cervical cancer. 

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My cervical cancer diagnosis

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Looking back, there were a couple of symptoms indicative of cervical cancer. First, about two months before my diagnosis, I started feeling a lump inside my cervix. It wasn’t painful, just noticeable. Second, I started consistently bleeding after sex, beginning about a month before my diagnosis. Neither of these were warning signals to me and the diagnosis came from my routine Pap smear. 

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Fortunately, my cancer was in a stage classified as Stage 1B1 when I was initially staged and diagnosed, this is considered to have been caught early. After I underwent surgery to remove the tumor, a biopsy showed that the cancer had metastasized to my lymph nodes, but the staging for cervical cancer doesn’t change even if it has grown to affect other areas. 

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Because it was caught early, I never felt in real danger of dying. I just knew that having cancer and, subsequently, treating the disease, would upend my life for a while. 

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Treatment 

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Because of my stage, I was lucky enough not to require a full hysterectomy and instead was able to undergo what’s known as a radical trachelectomy, in which just a piece of the cervix is removed. In my case, this was about two inches.

Had my lymph nodes come back clean after the radical trachelectomy surgery, this would have been the end of my treatment. However, my doctor and I learned that the cancer had metastasized to two of the sixlymph nodes removed for biopsy. As I sat in his office while we received the results together, he began laying out a plan of care for my chemo and radiation regimen and connected me with a radiology oncologist. 

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Cervical cancer treatment and fertility preservation

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As a young woman dealing with a cancer diagnosis, I was the one who brought up the question of fertility because I was in my late 20s and knew I wanted to have children one day. Fortunately, because my cancer wasn’t highly aggressive, I was able to put off my chemo and radiation regimen to go through the 4-week process of IVF.  

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One important observation I had is that the doctor’s primary focus is to kill the cancer.

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As the patient, you can’t rely on them to think through every way your life and future will be impacted outside of curing the disease. This is why it’s important to do your own research, ask questions and advocate for yourself. 

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Though this is luckily changing in many parts of the US, at the time of my diagnosis fertility treatment and egg preservation were less common and not typically covered by insurance. These are quite cost-prohibitive procedures that can make it unrealistic for cancer patients to prioritize. In my research, I found that there are nonprofit organizations whose mission is to aid cancer patients with the monetary aspect of fertility treatment. These can be found through a quick Google search.

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Advocating for yourself throughout cervical cancer treatment

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While fertility preservation is one example, you absolutely need to take ownership and do your research so that you can be prepared and actively participate in your treatment plan. Second, if something doesn’t feel right, bring it up and don’t let it go until your concerns are adequately addressed. I’d also always recommend getting a second opinion; if for no other reason than to feel completely confident with your doctor before starting treatment. 

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Could my cancer diagnosis have been prevented? 

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Because of my HPV diagnosis at 19, I saw my doctor for annual Pap smears even though the guidelines for most people recommend one every three years. The results consistently came back as “irregular,” until one year they were regular, which I’ve now learned can happen even if you have a high-risk HPV strain. 

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Because of this “regular” result, my doctor at the time said I didn’t need a Pap smear for another three years. My next Pap smear, in June of 2015, was the one in which I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. The obstetrician who diagnosed me said it looked like a very slow-growing tumor that had probably developed over about three years—meaning my cancer could easily have been prevented had I continued with annual screenings. 

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Today, I’m living cancer-free, married, and expecting my first child. While a cancer diagnosis changed my life, surviving it has helped me see life for what it is and not stress nearly as much about the every day minutiae. You will get through this, but it’s going to be hard. You’re going to need to support yourself and you’re going to need a support system. You’ll come to appreciate the good news that you’re alive and no longer have cancer. 

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A note from Teal: Following a positive HPV test, it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine and understand your screening schedule moving forward. The type of test performed, along with your results, determines when you should screen again. 

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You may be aware that the cervical cancer screening guidelines have been updated in recent years. These updates reflect advances in women’s health and highlight how much we have learned and continue to learn about HPV. Most significantly, evidence shows that high-risk HPV causes more than 90 percent of cervical cancers. 

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We also know the primary HPV test (which is the test utilized by Teal Health) is a better (more sensitive) screen for cervical cancer. It was first incorporated into guidelines with a Pap smear (known as a co-test), and more recently as a stand-alone screening test (“primary” screen in some guidelines). For decades, Pap smears were recommended every 1-3 years, or more frequently if results were abnormal. With HPV testing, screening guidelines changed to every 5 years for a negative result. If you receive an abnormal result, this timeline may be adjusted and should be discussed with your provider.

Many of us get cervical cancer screenings (often just called your Pap smear, even though it may also include an HPV test) because our doctor recommends them, without much thought into the process. You may groan when you see the appointment on your calendar and probably cringe a bit when it’s time to put your feet in the stirrups. At Teal Health, we are working to make the process of cervical cancer screening less uncomfortable. Let's start by getting a better understanding of the exam itself, and why it’s so important.

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What is a cervical cancer screening? 

The cervical cancer screening experience – conducted in a clinic, using a speculum – has not evolved much in its 80 years in medicine. However, there have been updates to what doctors can test for. Thanks to major advancements in research and technology, we know human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to nearly all cervical cancer diagnoses. These findings led to the introduction of the HPV test.

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Below are the three tests that can be performed during your cervical cancer screening exam:

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Primary HPV: This screening test looks for a current HPV infection. Detecting HPV is critical because having high-risk HPV is the single most important risk factor in developing cervical cancer, as almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.

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Pap Smear: According to Dr. Liz Swenson, Medical Director and OB-GYN at Teal Health, “A Pap smear is a screening method used to sample the cells of the cervix to test for changes which could indicate precancer or cancer of the cervix. Usually, this is due to an infection with a type of high-risk HPV.”   

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Co-test: A co-test includes both a high-risk HPV test and the Pap test. 

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It's good to understand which test you receive because the follow-up timelines can be different and these tests are looking for (slightly) different things. The tests also differ in their sensitivity (the test’s ability to pick up an infection or disease if it is present), with the HPV test being the most sensitive at above 94% overall. Since the Pap has a lower overall sensitivity, it could be a good idea to ask your clinician about getting a primary HPV or co-test.

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Following a normal HPV test, you won’t need to test again for up to five years (abnormal results for any test will result in more immediate follow-up with your doctor). If you have a Pap smear with normal results, you’ll need another one in three years. It is, however, important to review your individual situation with your provider and determine the most appropriate timing for your next screening.

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What does getting a cervical cancer screening entail?

We’ll speak plainly here: The traditional clinic-based cervical cancer screening is in dire need of an upgrade. Teal Health is currently working on an at-home self-collection option for primary HPV testing so that you can collect a cervical sample from the comfort of your own home. While we work towards FDA authorization, here’s what you can expect when you go into the doctor’s office for a screening. 

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*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.

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When you arrive at the doctor’s office, you’ll undress from the waist down and likely change into a gown. Your doctor or clinician will have you place your feet in stirrups and spread your legs. From there, they will use a speculum to hold the vaginal walls apart so the clinician can access your cervix. They will insert a cervical brush and you may feel pressure as they collect a sample. It’s not a comfortable process, but it shouldn’t take longer than a couple of minutes. 

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After your exam, your clinician will insert the brush into a preservation solution and send it to a lab with an order from the physician to perform a HPV test and/or Pap smear on the sample (depending on which test you got). Within 1-3 weeks, you’ll get results from your doctor, indicating either “normal” or “abnormal” results and the appropriate follow up. This could include doing additional testing if your results are abnormal.

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What exactly *is* my cervix? 

So, your doctor or clinician will access your cervix via your vagina during a cervical cancer screening (take a look at this diagram to learn more). But what exactly is the cervix?  Dr. Swenson explains, “The cervix is the lowest portion of the uterus which connects the uterus to the vagina. It produces mucus that cleans and hydrates the vagina. Because the cervix responds to hormonal changes, the character of the cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle.”

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Perhaps if you’ve tracked your menstrual cycles or tried to conceive, you’ve noticed or looked for changes in your cervical mucus. Dr. Swenson says, “Near the time of ovulation, the mucus is thin and slippery, promoting sperm to pass through. During pregnancy, it develops a protective thick mucus plug which helps prevent infections. The cervix is the part of the uterus that opens/dilates during labor, allowing the fetus to move through the birth canal during a vaginal delivery. It can also be a source of sexual stimulation for some women during intercourse.”

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What should I know before I get a cervical cancer screening?

Now that we know more about what to expect and why a cervical cancer screening is important, we asked Dr. Swenson if there’s anything else to know before getting one. 

She says, “Having sex just before your screening can cause some changes to show up on the cells, indicating inflammation or atypical cells of undetermined significance. The presence of HPV is used to determine the significance of these findings. If there is no HPV, it is most likely benign and nothing to worry about.” So while it may be best to avoid sex the day or so before your screening, Dr. Swenson says it’s fine to have sex as soon as you feel comfortable after your test results. 

Lastly, she explains that it’s common to have some spotting after a cervical cancer screening. 

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When and where should I get a cervical cancer screening? 

For now, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend getting an HPV or co-test (Pap + HPV) every 5 years, or a Pap smear every 3 years if you are between 25-65 years old (no younger than 21 years, according to the USPSTF). The ACS recommends HPV primary testing as the preferred screening method, if it’s available in your clinic. All insurance covers cervical cancer screening tests every three to five years, and most cover it every year.  

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“Cervical cancer screens can be done by a variety of providers, including OB-GYNs, midwives, family practitioners, internists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants,” says Dr. Swenson. “It's helpful to confirm that your primary care provider [performs a Pap smear] as part of their routine exams, as occasionally some don't include this as part of their care.” 

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The future of cervical cancer screening is bright

If you haven’t had a Pap smear in the past three years or an HPV or co-test in the last five years, don’t wait to get screened. But a better way is on the horizon, and we’re so excited to share with you what we’ve been working on. 

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The Teal Wand^TM enables people to collect their own sample from home and mail it to the lan for primary HPV testing —no more uncomfortable speculum and stirrups at your doctor’s office. The Teal Wand^TM (think a swab similar to a tampon) will makes screening more comfortable and accessible for everyone with a cervix.

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*May 2025 Update: The Teal Wand self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening is FDA-authorized. Check medical eligibility to get started and see if Teal is right for you. If we are not available in your state just yet, you will be placed on our waitlist and we will notify you when we are available in your state.