Are Do-It-Yourself Cervical Cancer Tests- Coming to a Store Near You?

Via

Could a do-it-yourself test for cervical cancer potentially save lives? That's what researchers behind a recent trial study in Mexico believe. In countries where getting a routine pap smears is difficult because access to these exams is extremely limited, the do-it-yourself test may be a viable option to prevent thousands of new cases.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, with 500,000 new cases and 250,000 deaths each year according to the World Health Organization. The resounding majority of cases are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus behind cervical cancer. Limited, or even no access to screening means that when women finally do screen for cervical cancer, if it is present, it is often found and diagnosed at the later and more deadlier stages.

A closer look at the research study

• The purpose of the test was to see if the sensitivity (how many women that are positive are correctly identified as having the disease) and precision (probability that a positive test reflects the underlying condition being tested for) of HPV vaginal samples collected at home in comparison to those collected at a clinic.
• Participants were randomly chosen and between 25-65 years of age. They were also from medically underserved, predominantly rural communities in Mexico.
• Results showed the do-it-yourself test picked up more than four times as many cases of cervical cancer and more than three times as many cases of a pre-cancer condition called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, which can be treated to prevent the disease developing
• High rate of "false positives", or the test indicating the woman has cervical cancer, only to be found later on that they do not. 

Questions to ask:

• How are the do-it-yourself tests going to be distributed to women? What kind of instructions will be included? Will there be a phone number or contact person to call for questions?
• Since this research targeted women who have limited to no means to pay for a traditional pap smear, who is going to pay for the do-it-yourself test? Will it be distributed free of cost or a low cost?
• How will the rate of false positives affect health care services?

What do you think? A quick search on google show other do-it-yourself kits (for example HIV testing) readily available at your local Walgreens or CVS. Do you think the whole do-it-yourself concept is an acceptable alternative than seeing a doctor?