Singapore, /PRNewswire/ – BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a global leader in medical technology, has teamed up with Camtech Health, a digital health company specializing in at-home health testing, to revolutionize cervical cancer screening in Singapore. This partnership introduces the first-ever option for women in Singapore to self-collect samples for cervical cancer screening in the comfort and privacy of their homes.
The program integrates Camtech Health’s HPV (human papillomavirus) test for self-collection with the BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay, a clinically validated test capable of detecting 14 high-risk HPV strains simultaneously. By offering this innovative screening method, the initiative aims to address barriers such as time constraints, embarrassment, and inconvenience, which have hindered cervical cancer screening rates in Singapore.
Dr. Jeff Andrews, VP of Global Medical Affairs at BD, highlighted the significance of this initiative in supporting national goals for cervical cancer elimination. “Cervical cancer is preventable, and programs like this are crucial in achieving elimination goals. Self-collection not only enhances access to HPV testing but also ensures reliability comparable to clinician-collected samples.”
The World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer underscores the urgency of expanding screening coverage. With cervical cancer being the fourth most common cancer among women globally, and almost all cases attributable to persistent HPV infections, the need for accessible screening methods is paramount.
The partnership aligns with BD’s commitment to advancing healthcare and underscores Camtech Health’s dedication to promoting well-being through innovative digital solutions. With less than 50% of women in Singapore regularly screening for cervical cancer, this initiative marks a significant step towards achieving WHO’s screening goals by 2030.