ATLANTA, Georgia — The American Cancer Society (ACS) issued updates Thursday to its cervical cancer screening guideline, introducing recommendations that could expand access to testing and reshape how people are screened for the disease in the U.S.

The revised guidance now endorses self-collected vaginal samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, according to the ACS.

ACS leaders said the shift reflects evidence that self-collection can safely supplement clinician-collected samples, allowing more people to participate in screening programs.

“These updated recommendations will help to improve compliance with screening and reduce the risk of cervical cancer,” said Dr. Robert Smith, senior vice president of early cancer detection science at the American Cancer Society. “They are mad

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