Submitted Publication from uBiome Examines the Use of Vaginal Self-Sampling and Its Potential Positive Impact on HPV Screening Worldwide
SAN FRANCISCO (PRWEB) December 26, 2017 -- uBiome, the leader in microbial genomics, has submitted a paper for peer review on the use of self-sampling in HPV screening worldwide. The paper, entitled Self-Sampling for HPV Testing: Increased cervical cancer screening participation and incorporation in international screening programs, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of vaginal self-sampling for HPV infection screening, the clinical relevance and accuracy of this method, and reviews the use of vaginal self-sampling for HPV screening worldwide.
Cervical cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related death in women, with an annual worldwide mortality of 250,000. Given that high-risk HPV can be detected through self-collected samples, many countries incorporate vaginal screening into public health guidelines. In the United States, however, vaginal self-sampling is less common.
As surveyed in this review paper, vaginal self-sampling has the potential to impact barriers to preventative care. In one cited analysis of 37 studies of 18,000 women from 24 countries, 97% of women accepted self-sampling, and 59% of women expressed a preference for self-sampling over clinician sampling. In addition, offering self-sampling to women who missed one or two invitations for HPV screening increased participation rates more than two-fold.
To read the preprint of the paper submitted to peer review, visit this link at preprints.org.
In the United States, at least one in five women are not compliant with clinical guidelines for cervical cancer screening. Participation is especially low among low-income groups, recent immigrants, Native Americans, Hispanic, and Asian women. Reported barriers include feelings of embarrassment or shame about screening, discomfort or pain linked with a pelvic exam, economic disparities in care, and history of intimate partner violence or sexual abuse. Additional logistical challenges can also negatively impact participation in cervical cancer screening programs, including limited financial, childcare, and transportation resources. The paper reviews how the international experience with cervical cancer prevention screening programs can translate into the US context.
About uBiome:
Founded in 2012, uBiome is the world’s leading microbial genomics company with a mission to explore important research questions about the microbiome and develop reliable, accurate products and services, focused on the microbiome. uBiome is funded by Y Combinator, Andreessen Horowitz, 8VC, and other leading investors. uBiome’s mission is to transform the science of the microbiome into useful products and services that improve people’s lives.
Contact: uBiome.com Lisa.micarelli(at)ubiome(dot)com 415-842-2466
Lisa Micarelli, uBiome, https://www.ubiome.com, +1 (415) 842-2466, [email protected]
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