FDA approves at-home cervical cancer screening in US

The FDA has approved the first U.S. at-home cervical cancer screening tool, allowing women to collect samples and mail them for HPV testing, potentially increasing screening rates. The Teal Health device, a swab-based alternative to the traditional Pap smear, will be available by prescription through telehealth. Studies show at-home screening is as effective as in-office procedures and is preferred by women. This new option aims to improve screening rates, as about a quarter of U.S. women are behind on screenings. The device will initially launch in California for women aged 25-65 at average risk.