Cervical cancer self-test is a gamechanger for womens health [Video]

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – Women have a new way to check for cervical cancer, and it’s groundbreaking. The FDA approved the first self-test for cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer kills about 4,000 women every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and affects thousands more. It’s treatable, but because there can often be no symptoms it can go undetected.

The traditional pelvic exam uses a speculum, which some women and girls find uncomfortable.

Now the FDA says self-collected vaginal samples can be screened at a doctor’s office or urgent care facility lab.

Health care companies Roche and Becton, Dickson & Co. made this announcement.

The majority of cervical cancers develop from HPV.

Doctors remind you regular screenings can help identify health risks for women. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has lots of resources about the Well Women program if you need help with screening.

As far as this new test approved by the FDA, talk …