The FDA has approved the first at-home test for cervical cancer screenings, offering a less invasive and potentially more accessible alternative to traditional Pap smears. Developed by Teal Health, a San Francisco-based startup, the test, known as the Teal Wand, detects the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancers. Unlike Pap smears, the Teal Wand only requires a vaginal swab using a sponge-like tool, eliminating the need for a speculum.

Kara Egan, CEO and co-founder of Teal Health, emphasized that this approval provides women with a more convenient option that fits their lives. The goal is to make care more accessible, thereby helping women stay healthy.

In the United States, approximately 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually, resulting in 4,000 deaths. Dr. Alexi Wright from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute suggests that cervical cancer could be eradicated with comprehensive HPV vaccination and screening, but current efforts often fail to reach high-risk populations.

Cervical cancer deaths in the U.S. have decreased by over half since the mid-1970s, according to the American Cancer Society, though progress has recently plateaued. A 2022 study indicated that 23% of individuals were behind on screenings in 2019, compared to 14% in 2005. Lack of insurance and high costs are significant barriers, with cervical cancer rates being 25% higher in rural areas and death rates 42% higher due to limited resources and healthcare access. Discomfort associated with traditional Pap smears also deters many from getting screened. A Michigan Medicine study in 2023 found that at-home kits were considered a comfortable, convenient, and flexible choice, mitigating potential trauma.

At-home screenings have proven effective in bridging the screening gap. Studies show that mailing kits to individuals overdue for cervical cancer screenings resulted in a 50% increase in screening rates compared to standard care. These at-home tests are also as accurate as clinical tests. Teal Health plans to launch its kits next month, starting in California, and is working with insurance providers to cover costs. The Teal Health platform will also facilitate follow-up care when necessary.