Cervical cancer: how does vaginal self-sampling work?

The purpose of this “national reference” is to specify the procedures for using vaginal self-sampling (APV), which is part of the screening strategy for cervical cancer. In mainland France, this disease is the 12th leading cause of cancer death in women.

Vaginal self-sampling: who is it for?

This alternative to cervico-uterine sampling is intended for women aged 30 to 65 who are not screened or insufficiently screened.

• If the test is negative, a new screening by HPV-HR test must be carried out five years later;
• If the test is positive, the patient must be referred to a health professional to take a new sample, this time cervical. The positive result being a risk factor for cancer;
• As for the “non-analyzable” test, it must be replaced, within a month, by a new kit sent to your home.

The test takes place in several stages.

• VPA kits are sent to homes (in order to improve the rate of participation of women in screening);
• The test is accepted by the approved centre, which must meet various criteria (compliance with the specifications, imperative provision of data to the Regional Cancer Screening Coordination Centre, etc.).

Once analyzed, the test results are then transmitted to the patient.

Cervical cancer: symptoms to recognize

In the early stages of the disease, that is to say before the appearance of the lesions, cancer of the cervix develops without causing any particular symptoms. It is then diagnosed during gynecological follow-up, thanks to regular screening smears.

If the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may appear:

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse;
• Spontaneous vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual period;
• Pain during sexual intercourse;
• Vaginal discharge;
• Pain in the lower abdomen;
• Lower back pain.

These signs are not specific to cancer and may be caused by something else. Nevertheless, in their presence, a medical consultation is necessary.