The FDA approved self-tests for cervical cancer screening.

Self-Care

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The FDA approved self-tests for cervical cancer screening.

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For the first time, women will have the option to self-screen for HPV — the virus that causes most cervical cancers. Typically, doctors test for HPV via pelvic exams, which can be painful and invasive. Patients using this new method would collect their own sample with a swab while in a health care setting, like their doctor’s office, pharmacies, or mobile clinic. The test is expected to be available this summer and the developers hope to eventually roll out an at-home version. One of the makers of the self-tests said this new option is meant to help “women who traditionally haven't been reached.”

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One study found there’s been a rise of cervical cancer cases among women in low-income regions, in part due to a lack of screening access. Advocates reportedly hope the self-tests will make it easier for women of color and people living in rural and underserved areas to screen for HPV. More than 11,500 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the US each year and about 4,000 women die of the disease, according to the CDC. The test could be covered by private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid and costs about $46 per screening. One doctor reportedly said this new method shouldn’t replace routine pelvic exams, but the self-collection option could help catch an infection earlier.

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Cervical cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer among women globally, according to the World Health Organization. It can be prevented and cured if caught early enough, and advocates hope that greater access to screening, like this test, could help eliminate the disease.

Who’s heading to the debate stage…

President Biden and former President Trump. After a whirlwind ride on social media yesterday, the two presumptive candidates agreed to debate each other. Mark your calendars: CNN will host the first debate on June 27 and the second is September 10 on ABC. This will mark the first time Biden and Trump have come face-to-face since 2020 and one of the earliest general election debates in modern history. Trump's pending legal cases and Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war could come up as potential questions. Meanwhile, RFK Jr could be feeling a little left out, saying Trump and Biden are “colluding” to keep him out of the debates.

…Oh and speaking of the election season, the Supreme Court paved the way yesterday for Louisiana to use a congressional map that adds a second-majority Black district for this year’s election. The decision could help Democrats gain one seat in the House, increasing the party's chances of winning control of the lower chamber.

What has people’s attention...

The CDC. Yesterday, the agency shared preliminary data that found drug overdose deaths dropped by 3% last year, marking the first decline since 2018. The drop could partly be attributed to fewer deaths from synthetic opioids like fentanyl or overdose prevention, but experts say it’s still too soon to draw concrete conclusions. One expert reportedly said the number of deaths remains “catastrophically high.” More than 107,000 people died of overdoses in the US last year, according to the CDC. The new data comes as lawmakers consider how to balance law enforcement with access to treatment.

What’s easing up a little bit...

Inflation. Yesterday, the Labor Department reported that consumer prices rose by 0.3% in April, a slight decline from the previous month. That might not seem like much of a change, but the Federal Reserve could welcome the drop after inflation remained stubbornly high for the first three months of the year. It’s not clear if it’ll be enough for the Fed to cut interest rates.

…Oh and speaking of hurting wallets, the Biden admin extended its deadline for student loan consolidation until June 30. Those who qualify could see their debt forgiven sooner than others.

Who has some lawmakers targeting skincare…

“Sephora kids.”

What has some big wings to fill…

The Victoria’s Secret fashion show.

Who is shutting down the mom-shamers…

Sophie Turner.

What’s coming to HGTV…

An ex-husband and ex-wife face off.

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