What’s New in ACS Cervical Cancer Screening 2025
Summary: In December 2025, the American Cancer Society (ACS) released updated cervical cancer screening guidelines introducing HPV self-collection testing and clear criteria for safely stopping screening. This article explains what has changed, who the guidelines apply to, why these updates matter, and how improved access could help reduce cervical cancer incidence, mortality, and health disparities across the United States
New ACS Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines: What Changed in 2025?
Cervical cancer cases have dropped by over 50% since the 1970s, yet thousands still die every year.
In December 2025, the American Cancer Society (ACS) released updated cervical cancer screening guidelines aimed at
- Improving early detection
- Increasing screening participation
- Reducing persistent racial and geographic disparities
Published in Cancer Journal for Clinicians, the updated recommendations introduce HPV self-collection testing as a screening option and provide clear guidance on when individuals can safely exit screening. This article explains what the new guidelines mean, who they apply to, and why they are an important step toward eliminating cervical cancer.
Why Cervical Cancer Screening is Important?
Cervical cancer screening programs have been highly effective, reducing cancer incidence by more than half since the mid-1970s. Despite this progress:
- 13,360 new cervical cancer cases are expected in the U.S. this year
- Approximately 4,320 deaths are projected
- Racial, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities continue to drive poorer outcomes
Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for nearly all cervical cancer cases, making HPV-based screening the cornerstone of prevention.
What’s New in the 2025 ACS Cervical Cancer Guidelines?
The updated ACS recommendations introduce two major changes for women and individuals with a cervix at average risk.
1. HPV Self-Collection Testing Is Now an Option
For the first time, ACS recognizes self-collected vaginal samples as an acceptable method for primary HPV testing.
- Clinician-collected cervical samples remain preferred
- Self-collected vaginal samples are acceptable when used for HPV testing
- If a self-collected HPV test is negative, repeat screening is recommended in three years
This update follows FDA approval of HPV self-collection testing as a safe and effective screening method.
“These updated recommendations will help to improve compliance with screening and reduce the risk of cervical cancer,” said Dr. Robert Smith, senior vice president of early cancer detection science at the American Cancer Society.
2. Clearer Guidance on When Screening Can Stop
ACS now provides more explicit criteria for discontinuing cervical cancer screening.
Screening may safely stop if an average-risk individual has:
- Negative primary HPV tests or
- Negative HPV plus cytology (co-testing) at ages 60 and 65
If HPV testing is unavailable, screening may end after:
- Three consecutive negative Pap (cytology) tests
- Conducted at recommended intervals
- With the final test at age 65
Current ACS Cervical Cancer Screening Recommendations
Who Should Be Screened?
ACS recommends that average-risk women and individuals with a cervix:
- Begin screening at age 25
- Undergo primary HPV testing every 5 years until age 65
If Primary HPV Testing Is Not Available
Alternative screening options include:
- HPV + Pap co-testing every 5 years, or
- Pap testing alone every 3 years (ages 25–65)
Why Did ACS Update These Guidelines?
The ACS continuously reviews emerging scientific evidence to refine cancer prevention strategies. These updates reflect:
- Advances in HPV detection technology
- FDA approval of HPV self-collection testing
- Evidence supporting broader access to screening
- The need to address long-standing disparities in cancer outcomes
ACS scientists and volunteers routinely assess new data to ensure guidelines remain evidence-based, practical, and equitable
Do These Guidelines Apply to Everyone?
ACS does not recommend cervical cancer screening for:
- Women under age 25, as cervical cancer is rare in this group
- Women over age 65 with adequate prior screening and no high-risk factors
- Women who have had a hysterectomy with cervix removal, unless they have a history of high-grade precancerous lesions
Addressing Health and Geographic Disparities
Geographic and socioeconomic barriers remain a major challenge. Individuals living in rural areas are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cervical cancer.
- Over 46 million Americans (14%) live in rural areas
- Many must travel long distances to access healthcare services
Self-collection testing could significantly improve screening access for these populations.
“Self-collection options are a critical resource for these individuals and other underserved populations,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
ACS Efforts to Eliminate Cervical Cancer
In late 2022, ACS established the National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer (ACS NRTCC) to accelerate elimination efforts by:
- Improving prevention and screening uptake
- Addressing healthcare inequities
- Strengthening follow-up care systems
Meanwhile, ACS CAN continues to advocate at all levels of government for affordable access to cervical cancer screening and follow-up care.
Patient Education and Support Tools
The updated guideline report includes a dedicated CA journal Patient Page, offering:
- Evidence-based, easy-to-understand medical information
- Clear answers to common patient questions
- Guidance on symptoms, prevention, and treatment
These resources are designed to support informed decision-making and patient engagement.
Conclusion: A Step Closer to Ending Cervical Cancer
The 2025 ACS cervical cancer screening updates mark a significant shift toward more accessible, flexible, and patient-centered care. By embracing HPV self-collection testing and clarifying when screening can safely end, ACS aims to increase participation, reduce disparities, and move closer to eliminating cervical cancer altogether.
Inputs from various media sources
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
