80 A recent systematic review suggests that self-collected anal swabs could transform cancer screening by increasing participation rates among high-risk populations. Conducted by researchers from the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney, the study examined the efficacy of self-collected swabs compared to clinician-collected methods in detecting human papillomavirus (HPV) and cytological abnormalities, which are key markers for anal cancer. The findings were published in the International Journal of Cancer. Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC), a form of cancer, is on the rise globally, particularly among individuals living with HIV. Screening for ASCC often involves the collection of anal swabs to detect HPV and cytology abnormalities, but barriers such as stigma and discomfort associated with clinician-collected swabs can deter participation. The newly published international guidelines for anal cancer screening advocate for more accessible methods to improve uptake. The review analysed data from 10 studies across 13 papers, focusing on the adequacy of self-collected samples for HPV and cytology testing. Results showed that self-collected swabs achieved comparable adequacy to clinician-collected samples for HPV testing. However, the adequacy for cytology testing was slightly lower for self-collected swabs. Despite this, the ability to detect abnormalities did not differ significantly between the two methods. These findings highlight the potential of self-collected swabs to increase participation in screening programmes, particularly among groups facing barriers to accessing clinical services. The study noted that participants often preferred self-collection, citing convenience and privacy as key advantages. For instance, self-collection kits sent directly to homes could make the process more approachable, reducing the need for potentially uncomfortable clinic visits. Although the study’s findings are promising, the researchers emphasised the need for further research to optimise self-collection techniques and improve sample quality. This includes exploring better instructions for participants and evaluating which types of swabs and transport media yield the most reliable results. Experts believe that adopting self-collection methods could have a significant public health impact. By addressing barriers to participation, these methods offer a way to identify cases earlier, leading to improved treatment outcomes. Self-collected swabs could also be particularly beneficial in settings with limited access to healthcare facilities or where stigma around sexual practices remains a concern. The findings coincide with the recent publication of the first international guidelines for anal cancer screening, which underscore the importance of HPV and cytology testing. As the incidence of anal cancer continues to rise, particularly in vulnerable populations, innovative approaches like self-collection could play a critical role in reducing mortality rates.