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Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2002;156:1154-1155.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

We heartily congratulate Dr Shafer and her group¹ for evaluating self-screening methods for the common sexually transmitted infections, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas, in adolescents. We would like to add that human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and the cause of cervical cancer,² is also easily detected by self-sampling.^3-4

Unlike chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas, there is no cure for HPV. Medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) to treat HPV is being developed. When it is available, a woman's ability to self-test will take on greater importance because she will be able to diagnose and treat the HPV before any cervical cancerous cellular changes occur. Women have indicated through our research focus groups that home sampling and even home diagnosis of HPV is a highly desired alternative to an office visit for a diagnostic speculum examination.

More than 95% of women of all ages are willing to . . . [Full Text of this Article]