A new Ohio State Unversity study shows mailing human papillomavirus tests to women could increase screening rates for cervical cancer.
Researchers sent the at-home tests to women in Appalachian Ohio who had not had any preventative testing for cervical cancer in the last three years. Researchers say in a news release 80 percent completed the test and mailed it back - twice the percentage researchers expected. The results indicate the tests could help reach women who are geographically isolated and may not have easy access to health care. Roughly one-fourth of respondants tested positive for a cancer-causing type of HPV. Researchers say the pilot study shows women are interested in using these tests at home.