Prospective cohort study of cervical cancer screening with HPV self-collection testing in an opioid treatment program

Individuals with opioid use disorder and substance use disorder have lower cervical cancer screening rates than the general population. HPV self-collection testing provides opportunities to expand screening access to previously unreached patient populations. A prospective cohort study at the University of Washington (Seattle) assessed the feasibility and uptake of incorporation HPV self-collection testing for cervical cancer screening into routine care for patients with opioid use disorder and substance use disorder in the setting of an opioid treatment program (OPT). In this cohort study of 194 patients in an OPT, HPV self-collection testing for cervical cancer screening was implemented into the annual wellness visit. Of 174 patients eligible for cervical cancer screening, 158 (90.8%) completed HPV self-collection testing. There were no unsatisfactory test results, and 128 patients (81.0%) had HPV-negative results. Of the 30 patients with HPV-positive test results, two were lost to follow-up and 12 (40%) completed follow-up to date. The remaining 16 of 30 patients are currently actively engaged in various stages of referral and scheduling. The authors conclude that these findings suggest that incorporating cervical cancer screening using HPV self-collection testing was feasible and highly accepted by patients in an OTP.