Speculum-Free Callascope for Cervical Self-Visualization: Acceptability, Feasibility, and Improved Awareness of the Reproductive System

PURPOSE Invasive cervical cancer is preventable, yet it affects 500,000 women worldwide each year, and more than one half these women die. Barriers to cervical cancer screening include a lack of awareness of cervical cancer and the cervix, fear of the speculum, and lack of women-centric technologies. We developed a low-cost (approximately $50), cervix-imaging device called the Callascope, which consists of an imaging component, camera, and inserter that obviates the need for a speculum and enables self-insertion. Studies are lacking regarding women’s willingness to independently image their cervix and women’s ability to effectively use the Callascope for self-imaging. METHODS We conducted two studies: in-depth interviews to assess the willingness to self-image the cervix, perceptions of the Callascope, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward cervical cancer screening; and home-based self-cervix imaging with the Callascope where women recorded an audio reflection on their experience. RESULTS Participants in interviews (n = 12) and home study (n = 12) all indicated a preference for the Callascope over the speculum. Interview data demonstrated that 53% of participants had little knowledge of basic reproductive anatomy, and only 17% of participants understood that human papillomavirus was a direct cause of cervical cancer. Self-exam data showed that 83% of participants were able to visualize their cervix with the Callascope on the first try and 100% were able to do so by the end of the study. Of participants, 100% indicated that the home exam was an empowering and informative experience. CONCLUSION The Callascope is more comfortable than the speculum and women are able to successfully image their cervices from home without the need for a speculum. With improved diagnostic capabilities, the Callascope could be used by medical providers for clinical exams, particularly in low-resource settings, as a low-cost and more comfortable alternative to the SOC. The Callascope enables home self-screening for cervical cancer and a better understanding of one’s body, which could make screening more accessible in low-resource settings.