Today, the American Cancer Society (ACS) updated their cervical cancer screening guidelines to include self-collected samples, either done at-home with Teal or in the office, for Primary HPV (Human papillomavirus) testing. Their guidelines were last updated in 2020, when they recommended Primary HPV testing as the preferred test for cervical cancer screening, with co-test (Pap and HPV) as acceptable when Primary HPV testing is not available.

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The American Cancer Society stated: 

“Cervical cancer screening recommendations from the ACS and other organizations have changed over time, driven by improved understanding of the disease's natural progression, the recognized role of high-risk HPV infection, and advancements in screening technologies”

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Look for FDA Authorized Label

The ACS cervical cancer screening guideline includes only FDA-approved combinations of HPV assays (tests) and collection devices - this includes Teal Health’s FDA-authorized Teal Wand, which allows a woman to collect her own sample at home and mail it to the lab to test on an FDA-approved HPV test. The Teal Wand is the only FDA-authorized device for at-home cervical cancer screening. The Teal Wand self-collection device stood out in the guideline evidence as having the highest clinical sensitivity to detect cervical precancer at 96%, equal to that of clinician collection. 

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“This guideline update by the ACS is a huge leap forward in recognizing the importance of expanding options for women to get screened,” states Liz Swenson, MD, OBGYN and Medical Director at Teal Health. “Women look to the ACS as the leader in cancer prevention and research. And it's important for women to know that there is a trusted and accurate at-home option, Teal Health, that has gone through the FDA. We are honored to play our role in making cervical cancer screening more accessible and comfortable for women as we all work to eliminate cervical cancer.” 

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Below are the updated screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society:

• 25 to 65 year olds with a cervix (has not had a total hysterectomy) should screen every 3 years with self-collected samples or every 5 years with clinician-collected samples (using the speculum).
• The recommended test to be performed is the Primary HPV test. If this test is not available, the co-test is considered acceptable.

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In addition to adding self-collection to their guidelines, ACS also updated their guidance on when individuals can safely stop being screened for cervical cancer. 

• Individuals with an average risk for developing cervical cancer may stop screening after having normal results at the appropriate interval between the ages of 55-65. The last test should be done at age 65 or later.  
• This includes primary HPV testing every 3-5 years (preferred), a co-test every 5 years, or cytology every 3 years.

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You can see the ACS’ new guidelines here.
For a quick comparison of the updates between ACS’ 2020 and 2025 guidelines, see their news release and for more information on the move to self-collection, see the American Cancer Society’s paper here. 

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Please note that cervical cancer screening guideline recommendations apply only to average-risk individuals. Depending on your health history or screening history, your provider may advise you to screen at different intervals. Average risk individuals in this guideline are defined as (must fulfill all 3):

1. Has a cervix
2. Asymptomatic (i.e., does not have abnormal bleeding or other symptoms concerning cervical cancer for which a more thorough workup is required)
3. Screening for the first time or has a history of all normal cervical cancer screening results in the past; OR has a remote history of abnormal results that has been followed by a sufficient amount of normal testing that the individual fulfills criteria to resume routine cervical cancer screening based on follow-up recommendations from the Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines

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To order the Teal Wand at-home cervical cancer screening kit, visit www.getteal.com. It works with major insurance plans and is HSA/FSA eligible.

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Cervical cancer screening guidelines are developed by organizations like the American Cancer Society (ACS) as well as other leading organizations, such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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