In recognition of January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, WashU Medicine gynecologic oncologist and surgeon Lindsay Kuroki, MD, MSCI, recently joined Show Me St. Louis to discuss the critical role of prevention, early detection, and access in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. Dr. Kuroki emphasized the importance of regular checkups, timely screening, and early intervention, as well as the protective benefits of the HPV vaccine for both girls and boys. She highlighted early vaccination as a key step in safeguarding long-term health and reducing future cancer risk.
During the segment, Dr. Kuroki also underscored the importance of making cervical cancer screening more accessible, particularly for individuals who face barriers to in-person care. She shared her work on a project that provides HPV Self-Collection Kits for at-home cervical cancer screening, an innovative approach designed to meet patients where they are and reduce gaps in care.
As outlined in Feasibility of Community-based Distribution of HPV Self-Collection Kits for At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening, “The goal of this project is to reduce cervical cancer disparities by implementing and evaluating community-based interventions that enhance access to at-home HPV screening for medically underserved women, particularly those who are Black, have low incomes, or reside in rural areas.”