Around 50% of counties in the United States, most being rural counties, do not have OBGYNs. This makes women’s healthcare particularly hard to access based on where you live. When it comes to cervical cancer, this lack of access can mean missing out on critical routine screenings – a Pap smear or HPV test – that can save lives. 

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Women across the United States face several relatable barriers to getting into a clinic for cervical cancer screenings. They report not having enough time, struggling to take time off work or find childcare, and avoiding the speculum exam because it is uncomfortable. These challenges are often especially felt in rural areas, where fewer than half of all women live within a 30-minute drive of an OBGYN.

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In Teal’s national clinical study, SELF-CERV, 24% of participants came from rural (agricultural or remote) areas and small cities and towns, largely from around Louisiana, Alabama, New England, and North Carolina. Within this group, over 1 in 4 had delayed or avoided their routine cervical cancer screening. They told us this was mostly because they could not find the time to get into a clinic. They also avoided the screening because they found the in-clinic speculum exam uncomfortable. 

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Recent research shows these patterns resonate broadly with women living outside urban areas. Nationwide, we have seen a sharp decline in cervical cancer screenings among women in rural areas since the pandemic. In 2022, only 49% of rural residents received a routine cervical cancer screening, compared to 64% of urban residents.

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Lack of access to healthcare not only means these women often delay routine screenings that can prevent cervical cancer, but they also do not receive timely diagnoses and treatments that can address cervical dysplasia at early stages, before it progresses to cancer. As a result, health inequalities between women living in rural and urban areas are widening. 

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Another recent study revealed that women in rural areas, particularly white women, are being diagnosed with cervical cancer more often than before. Moreover, the cervical cancer mortality rate is significantly higher across women of all racial and ethnic groups in rural areas compared to those in urban areas. Given that cervical cancer is preventable and can be eliminated with routine screening and preventive care, any increase in deaths from this disease is unacceptable. 

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Allowing women the option to screen for cervical cancer at home could make all the difference in rural counties. A large U.S. study found that offering at-home self-collection tripled cervical cancer screening engagement in rural regions. 

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Similarly, women in Teal’s national clinical trial overwhelmingly preferred at-home self-collection with the Teal Wand. This was true for our participants from rural and small town or city areas too: 84% found their Teal screening to be as or more comfortable than the speculum exam, and 85% said they would be more likely to stay up to date on their routine screening if they could screen at home using the Wand. 

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Here’s what our participants from rural areas and small cities or towns across the country had to say: 

“Having it shipped to me would be super convenient versus having to find transportation to the clinic that's an hour and a half drive away. That would save on gas, that would save on having to figure out a plan.”

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“For people that don't have transportation or time, they can do this in the comfort of their home.”

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“It was very quick and easy, and I like that I don’t have to go all the way to the doctor's office.”

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“I would recommend it as a great option if you do not want to, or cannot, come in person to a clinic for a Pap. I liked the privacy, and I felt empowered.”

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“The procedure is simple and can be done in the comfort of my home on my schedule. No need to plan a full day around an uncomfortable appointment.”

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“I think about women with limited access to healthcare. This could mean access to screenings that many women do not have.”

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While the Teal Wand is being reviewed by the FDA, we encourage you to schedule your routine cervical screening and join our waitlist to be among the first to know when we are available in your state.