New Cervical Cancer Screening Rules by ACS

The Banish Cancer Team

·December 6, 2025

·10 min read

American Cancer Society Updates Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines for Greater Accessibility

You now have more choices because the American Cancer Society updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines for 2025. The new rules allow you to collect your own vaginal sample for HPV testing, which makes it easier for many people to get screened. You can see the main changes in this table:

Change	2020 Guideline	2025 Guideline
Self-collection for primary HPV testing	Not included	Self-collected vaginal specimens are acceptable for HPV testing, with a recommended repeat every 3 years if HPV negative. Clinician-collected specimens preferred every 5 years.
Stopping cervical screening safely	Regular screening allowed individuals to stop after 10 years of normal results	Individuals may stop screening after negative HPV tests at ages 60 and 65, or after 3 consecutive negative Pap tests by age 65.

About one in three eligible people with a cervix do not get screened every three years. These updates aim to reach more people and lower cervical cancer rates.

Key Takeaways

The American Cancer Society now allows self-collection of vaginal samples for HPV testing, making screening more accessible and private.
You can stop cervical cancer screening at age 65 if you have had regular negative results, helping to avoid unnecessary tests.
Regular screening can reduce your risk of cervical cancer by up to 95%, emphasizing the importance of staying on schedule.
Self-collection options help overcome barriers like discomfort and limited access to clinics, encouraging more people to get screened.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your screening options to ensure you choose the best method for your needs.

2025 Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines: Key Updates

Self-Collection for HPV Testing

You now have the option to collect your own vaginal sample for HPV testing. This change makes cervical cancer screening easier for many people. You can do self-collection privately at a clinic or at home, without a health care provider present. If your HPV test is negative, you should repeat self-collection every three years. Clinician-collected samples remain the preferred method, and you should repeat those every five years if you choose that route.

Here is a table that shows how self-collection works under the new guidelines:

	2020 Guideline	2025 Guideline
Self-collection for primary HPV testing	Not included	Self-collected vaginal specimens done privately in a clinic or at home, without a health care provider present, are acceptable for HPV testing as part of screening for cervical cancer. As long as specimens are HPV negative, screening with self-collection should be repeated every 3 years. Clinician-collected cervical specimens are preferred and should be done every 5 years.

Self-collection helps you overcome common barriers. Many people feel uncomfortable with pelvic exams or have trouble finding a clinician. You may find self-collection less stressful and more convenient. Studies show that HPV tests from self-collected samples work as well as those collected by a clinician. The FDA has approved HPV tests for self-collection, which means you can trust the results.

Self-collected vaginal specimens for HPV testing can effectively expand access to cervical cancer screening.
Self-collection reduces barriers to participation, such as discomfort with speculum exams and limited clinician availability.
The performance of HPV tests from self-collected specimens is comparable to that of clinician-collected specimens.
FDA approval of HPV assays for self-collection supports its effectiveness and encourages broader screening coverage.

When to Stop Screening

The 2025 cervical cancer screening guidelines give you clear rules for when you can safely stop screening. You may stop screening after a negative HPV test at age 60. You can also stop after a negative co-test (HPV and Pap test) at age 65. If HPV tests are not available, you may stop after three consecutive negative Pap tests by age 65.

Here is a table that summarizes the new stopping criteria:

Age	Screening Method	Condition for Stopping Screening
60	Negative primary HPV test	Stop screening
65	Negative co-testing (HPV and Pap tests)	Stop screening
65	3 consecutive negative cytology tests	Acceptable if HPV tests are unavailable

You benefit from these clear guidelines because they help you avoid unnecessary tests. The American Cancer Society and other experts recommend stopping screening at age 65 for people who have had regular negative results. However, about 20% of new cervical cancer cases happen in women over 65. This means you should talk to your doctor about your personal risk before stopping screening. Health experts want to make sure older adults do not miss important chances for cancer prevention.

The American Cancer Society and USPSTF recommend stopping cervical cancer screening at age 65 for adequately screened women, based on statistical data regarding cervical cancer incidence in older women.
Approximately 20% of new cervical cancer cases occur in women over 65, indicating a significant risk in this age group.
Current guidelines may overlook the changing demographics and health behaviors of older women, potentially leading to missed opportunities for cancer prevention.

Comparison to Previous Guidelines

The new cervical cancer screening guidelines fix some problems from earlier versions. In the past, you may have felt confused about when to stop screening. The updated rules give you clear exit criteria, so you know exactly when you can stop. You also have more choices for how you get screened. Self-collection was not an option before. Now, you can choose self-collection if you face barriers like discomfort with pelvic exams or trouble getting to a clinic.

The guidelines now match recommendations from other major health organizations. For example, the US Preventive Services Task Force and other groups support regular screening and clear stopping points. You see more agreement among experts, which helps you make informed decisions.

Tip: If you have questions about your screening schedule, ask your healthcare provider. They can help you understand which option fits your needs.

The 2025 guidelines aim to make screening easier and more effective for everyone. You get clearer instructions, more choices, and better protection against cervical cancer.

Why the New Guidelines Matter

Improving Accessibility

You may face many barriers when trying to get screened for cervical cancer. Some people feel pain during exams or fear the results. Others worry about stigma or have trouble finding a clinic. The new cervical cancer screening guidelines help you overcome these challenges. You can now collect your own sample for HPV testing, even at home. This option makes screening easier for people in rural areas or those who cannot visit a doctor often.

Here is a table showing why the guidelines changed:

Reason for Update	Explanation
Rising rates of cervical cancer	More cases, especially among younger women, have been reported.
Need to improve screening compliance	The guidelines encourage more people to participate in screening.
Introduction of self-collection testing options	You can collect your own sample, making screening more accessible.

You may also benefit from public health campaigns. These programs use simple messages and reminders to help you understand your options and encourage you to get screened.

Reducing Cancer Rates

Screening saves lives. When you get screened regularly, doctors can find cervical cancer early. Early detection means better treatment and higher survival rates. Studies show that countries with organized screening programs have fewer cases and deaths from cervical cancer. In the United States, many women who develop cervical cancer have not been screened in the last three to five years.

Here are some important facts:

Regular screening can lower your risk of cervical cancer by up to 95%.
HPV vaccination and screening together can prevent millions of cases worldwide.
Screening programs in Australia and Sweden have reduced cancer rates by more than 85%.

If you follow the new guidelines, you help protect yourself and your community.

Advances and FDA Approvals

Recent advances in technology have made screening safer and more accurate. You can now use self-collection devices approved by the FDA, such as Onclarity HPV and cobas HPV. These tests work well and do not require a doctor to collect the sample. You can use them in clinics or other healthcare settings.

Doctors now use HPV-DNA testing and genotyping to find high-risk cases. These new methods help you get the right care based on your personal risk. The cervical cancer screening guidelines now include these advances, giving you more choices and better protection.

Tip: Ask your healthcare provider about self-collection options and new screening technologies. You can choose the method that fits your needs best.

Accessing Cervical Cancer Screening Options

Who Should Be Screened

You should know if you need cervical cancer screening. The 2025 cervical cancer screening guidelines recommend screening for most people with a cervix between ages 25 and 65. You can choose self-collected samples every 3 years or clinician-collected samples every 5 years. If you have normal results between ages 55 and 65, you may stop screening after your last test at age 65 or later.

Age Range	Screening Method	Frequency
25-65	Self-collected samples	Every 3 years
25-65	Clinician-collected samples	Every 5 years
55-65	Stop if normal results	Last test at age 65 or later

Younger adults between 21 and 29 should get screened every 3 years with a Pap test. People ages 30 to 65 can choose a Pap test every 3 years or an HPV test every 5 years.

Age Group	Screening Recommendation
21 to 29	Screening every 3 years with cervical cytology alone
30 to 65	Screening every 3 years with cytology, or every 5 years with HPV testing or both

How to Use Self-Collection

You can collect your own sample for HPV testing at home or in a clinic. The FDA has approved two types of devices for self-collection. One looks like a large cotton swab. The other is similar to a tampon. You use the device in a private space. After you collect your sample, you send it to a lab for testing. The results are as accurate as those from a doctor’s office.

Tip: Always use FDA-approved tests and devices from your healthcare provider. Follow the instructions closely to make sure your sample is correct.

Patient Resources

You have many resources to help you understand and access cervical cancer screening. These include educational tools, support networks, and financial help. Here are some options:

Resource Type	Description
Understanding Cervical Cancer Prevention	Learn about screening and prevention.
National Cervical Cancer Coalition	Get support and advocacy for cervical health.
Free/Low-cost Pap Testing	Find affordable screening options.
Educational Materials	Read about cervical cancer and HPV.
Support Resources	Connect with support networks for patients and caregivers.
Survivor Stories	Hear from cervical cancer survivors.
Videos	Watch explanations about screening and prevention.
Coping Resources	Get help with the emotional side of cancer.
Just for Caregivers	Find resources for caregivers.
NCCC Newsletter	Stay updated on cervical cancer news and prevention.

You can also find financial help through Medicaid, Medicare Part B, and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. These programs cover or lower the cost of screening for those who qualify.

Program Name	Description
Medicaid	Covers cervical cancer screening in all states.
Medicare Part B	Covers Pap tests and pelvic exams every 2 years, or yearly for high-risk people.
NBCCEDP	Offers free or low-cost screening for uninsured women.

If you have questions, ask your healthcare provider. You can take charge of your health with the right information and support.

You gain more choices and better protection with the 2025 cervical cancer screening guidelines. The American Cancer Society now lets you collect your own sample for HPV testing, which makes screening easier and helps more people get checked. These updates aim to lower cervical cancer rates and save lives.

Regular screening finds changes early and lowers your risk.
New methods use the latest research to improve accuracy.
Early detection means you can get treatment before cancer develops.

"These updated recommendations will help to improve compliance with screening and reduce the risk of cervical cancer," said Dr. Robert Smith, senior vice president, early cancer detection science at the American Cancer Society.

Ask your healthcare provider about self-collection and other screening options. You can find official information and support from these sources:

Source	Description
CDC	Information on screening tests and HPV vaccine
USPSTF	Screening recommendations for individuals with a cervix
Department of Health	Details on early detection and prevention
ASCCP	Guidelines and resources for cervical screening

You take charge of your health when you stay informed and get screened.

Reviewed by:
This article has been validated against authoritative medical guidance
from the American Cancer Society.

#BanishCancer

FAQ

What is self-collection for HPV testing?

You collect your own vaginal sample using a special device. You can do this at home or in a clinic. The sample goes to a lab for HPV testing. This method helps you avoid a pelvic exam.

Is self-collection as accurate as clinician-collected samples?

Studies show self-collected samples work as well as clinician-collected ones. The FDA approved these tests for accuracy. You can trust the results if you follow instructions.

Tip: Always use FDA-approved devices for self-collection.

Who should consider self-collection?

You may choose self-collection if you feel uncomfortable with pelvic exams or have trouble visiting a clinic. This option helps you get screened more easily.

Option	Best For
Self-collection	Those with barriers to clinics
Clinician method	Those who prefer professional care

When can you stop cervical cancer screening?

You may stop screening after age 65 if you have had regular negative results. Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping. Your personal risk matters.

How often should you get screened?

You should use self-collected HPV tests every 3 years. Clinician-collected samples are best every 5 years. If you are between 21 and 29, get a Pap test every 3 years.