LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The American Cancer Society is now endorsing a change in cervical cancer screening guidelines that could mean less women going in for pap smears.

The update supports women collecting their own vaginal specimens for human papillomavirus testing, marking a major shift in U.S. screening practices. They can do it at home or at a doctor's office.

"It could be more convenient because you can do it at home. You don't have to feel like you're being traumatized," said Dr. La Tanya Hines, an OB-GYN with Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw. "Some people do have significant history with, unfortunately, gynecological exams."

Nurses like Monica Schmerber and Stephanie Munguia screen for cervical cancer routinely, but being able to do a pap smear on their own would be a b

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