Self-testing cervical swabs could reduce cancer screening inequities for Māori, Pasifika and Asian communities, new research has shown. Cervical cancer is caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), which can be picked up in a test using a cotton swab. “While the death rate from cervical cancer has dropped by more than 70 per cent since the national screening programme began, inequities in screening do exist,” she said. Lead investigator of the study, Professor John Potter, said it was the first New Zealand study to evaluate the effectiveness of mail-out HPV self-testing kits. (File photo)Advisor and co-author of the study, National Māori Cancer Leadership co-chairwoman Dr Nina Scott, said the study had shown the HPV self-test could be used to dramatically improve access to cervical screening for Māori.

Source: Stuff April 21, 2021 22:43 UTC