Self-Collection HPV Screening Seen as Key to Expanding Cervical Cancer Early Detection

JAKARTA – Cervical cancer cases in Indonesia remain a health challenge for women, particularly as many patients only realise the disease once it has reached an advanced stage. Low routine screening participation is attributed to fear, discomfort, and social stigma surrounding reproductive health examinations.

This has spurred the introduction of self-collection HPV screening methods, which are seen as expanding early detection. The approach allows women to collect samples using a special swab without direct healthcare provider involvement.

PT Prodia Widyahusada Tbk and Roche Indonesia Diagnostics Division have launched the My HPV-Test self-screening service as part of efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in Indonesia by 2030.

PT Prodia Widyahusada Tbk CEO Liana Kuswandi said the self-screening approach aims to encourage regular reproductive health checks. ‘We want screening to become a regular and empowering part of a healthy lifestyle. Together with Roche Indonesia, we are providing a service that enables Indonesian women to directly manage their health,’ she said in a written statement on Thursday, 22 May 2026.

The service is digitally integrated via the U by Prodia app, from ordering test kits to accessing results.

The screening method uses Real-Time PCR technology to detect 14 high-risk HPV genotypes, including types 16 and 18, linked to most cervical cancer cases.

Roche Indonesia Diagnostics Division Director Lee Poh Seng said self-collection methods aim to overcome psychological barriers to cervical cancer screening. He noted Roche previously conducted a pilot study with the Ministry of Health, Jhpiego, and Bio Farma in Surabaya, where most participants successfully performed self-testing with high sample accuracy.

‘Self-collection innovations provide a more comfortable screening option, preventing women from delaying tests,’ Lee said.