HHS Updates Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

• Updated cervical cancer screening guidelines emphasize self-collection and increased access 

• ASCP advocates for shared decision-making and choice in cervical cancer screening methods 

The U.S. Health Research and Services Administration (HRSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, released updated cervical cancer screening guidelines in early January 2026. These updates, developed through the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative, aim to increase screening rates and decrease barriers to access to care. Key updates in HRSA’s screening guidelines include the introduction of self-collection for HPV testing for women at average risk, hrHPV being identified as the “preferred” method (as opposed to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines listing three equivalent screening options [hrHPV only, cytology only, or co-testing]), and importantly, a requirement that most private health insurance plans cover these updated services—including self-collection and necessary follow-up tests—without patient cost-sharing starting January 1, 2027. Additionally, the guidelines now explicitly include coverage for additional follow-up diagnostic testing (e.g., colposcopy, biopsy, or extended genotyping) required to complete the screening process following an initial abnormal result. For more detailed information, you can view the full HRSA Women's Preventive Services Guidelines or the Federal Register Notice.  

ASCP has long advocated for patient-centric cervical cancer screening guidelines that emphasize shared decision-making and promote broad access. Please see the following link for recent ASCP advocacy efforts in this area.