Cervical Circle: Expanding Access to Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer screening is a critical preventive service, yet many patients face barriers that delay or prevent screening altogether. Through the Cervical Circle initiative, CQOW is testing new approaches to make screening more accessible and patient-centered.
In November 2025, CQOW launched an HPV self-collection swab pilot at the Union City clinic. This pilot allows eligible patients to complete cervical cancer screening using a self-collect swab, reducing common barriers like discomfort, time constraints, or inability to schedule an in-person exam.
The pilot includes opportunistic identification of eligible patients during clinic visits, helping teams reach patients who may otherwise miss recommended screenings. Patient feedback is also being collected through surveys to better understand the experience and identify opportunities for improvement.
Early learnings from the Union City pilot are informing next steps, with plans to expand Cervical Circle to Hayward-Mission, TVHC’s largest site, in February 2026. By testing and refining this approach, CQOW aims to increase screening rates, improve patient experience, and reduce disparities in cervical cancer outcomes. Thank you to the CQOW team making this pilot possible!
