Study Finds HPV Self-Sampling Could Expand Cervical Cancer Screening in Rural India

A district-level study in Uttar Pradesh has shown that HPV DNA testing, combined with self-sampling and frontline health workers, can significantly improve cervical cancer screening in rural India. Published in BMC Public Health, the study was conducted in Amethi district among women aged 30-65 years. Of 23,972 eligible women identified, 10,141 underwent HPV testing, with screening uptake reaching 42%. In intervention areas, coverage increased from just 1.5% at baseline to more than 45%. Self-sampling was strongly preferred, with 83% of screened women choosing to collect their own samples. The programme used both centralized high-throughput laboratories and near point-of-care testing platforms, with HPV positivity ranging from 3.3% to 4.7%.

HPV-16 was the most common high-risk genotype, accounting for 31% of positive results. Women who tested positive underwent triage using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), while those with treatable lesions could receive thermal ablation at sub-district facilities. Overall, 52% of screen-positive women received local thermal ablation, regardless of the testing platform used. However, loss to follow-up remained a major challenge, particularly among women without symptoms. Researchers highlighted the role of ASHA workers, Health and Wellness Centres and digital monitoring systems in improving screening and follow-up. The findings suggest that self-sampling and flexible testing platforms could help expand cervical cancer screening through India’s existing public health system, according to Bioengineer.org.