Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent cancer types in women, caused by infection from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) via skin-to-skin contact and sexual transmission. Sadly, many women remain undiagnosed and uninformed on the risks, despite measures put in place for screening and vaccination. This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we look at the risk factors of cervical cancer and highlight fem-tech start-ups, that are contributing towards raising awareness and promoting advanced solutions for early screening and prevention.

Prevalent yet Preventable
Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in females and highly prevalent with 600,000 new cases approximately annually. The UK alone presents 3,200 new cases every year. With incidence at its highest in females in the age group of 30-34, women in middle and low-income regions are the most at risk, due to lack of resources and thereof lack of screening for detection of the disease.
The most significant cause of Cervical cancer is the HPV; in particular, types 16 and 18, that are responsible for more than 70% of the cases. The virus can integrate its DNA in the cervical cells, post sexual contact, causing genetic changes that lead to uncontrolled division of the cervical cells and cancerous formations. Most symptoms go unnoticed in the early stages, however as the disease progresses, the symptoms that persist most commonly are unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, swelling of the legs and pain in the pelvis region.
Asymptomatic, early-stage cervical cancer can be diagnosed by routine screenings or pelvic examinations; involving visualisation of the cervix and collection of biopsy samples on incidence of abnormality in the cervix. However, the process of visiting a gynaecologist and getting an invasive pap-smear causes many women anxiety, leading to many women cancelling their appointments and missing vital testing. One in three women were found not to attend their cervical screening in the UK. This acts as a major barrier to screening and early detection, in addition to lack of awareness, lack of access to clinics and busy schedules interfering with appointments. These barriers further strengthen the need for innovative screening and diagnosis methods to act as an alternative.
Fem-Tech Startups at the Forefront of Cervical Cancer Prevention
Fem-Tech start-ups are revolutionising women’s health, including taking huge steps towards preventing cervical cancer. We looked at three inspiring fem–tech start-ups that are leveraging technology and innovation to develop better cervical cancer screening and diagnostic solutions for women.
Teal Health’s mission is to provide women with tools and resources that can equip them to make better informed decisions about their own health. And in this mission, they are starting with combating cervical cancer by producing an innovative at – home, self-screening device, the Teal Wand. The Teal wand, having completed clinical trials at prestigious universities like Johns Hopkins and Yale, is awaiting FDA approval and currently under review. It aims to eliminate all the barriers that in-office pap smears cause: from unease of physical examination to lack of access to gynaecological care that act as a huge barrier in adherence to regular screening.
Curiva is focused on reducing the incidence of gynaecological cancers and is working towards reducing diagnostic costs, by providing innovative solutions that deliver same – day results. Their mission is to deliver a microneedle mediated, non-invasive, diagnostic patch for early detection of cervical cancer, called the diaPatchTM. This can replace invasive Pap smear and colposcopy methods, as well as detect novel biomarkers, by utilising the microneedle technology to extract liquid biopsy samples from the pelvic region at clinic visits. The streamlined process and faster delivery of results, leads to seamless testing as well as increased patient compliance.
This Israeli FemTech company, focused on providing clinicians with AI-powered solutions, is working on providing a holistic approach to better women’s health. Their Visual Check AI platform is the first of its kind, on a mission to develop cutting edge AI powered solutions in the femtech market. Products like the EVAPro digital colposcope and ThermoGlide for thermocoagulation treatment for precancerous lesions, offer a turnkey diagnostic and point- of- care treatment solution for cervical cancer. The company also aims to make the process easier for practitioners by providing comprehensive solutions through a single supplier.
Looking To the Future
Cervical Cancer remains one of the most prevalent yet preventable cancers in women, yet many barriers remain for early detection and diagnosis. Fem-Tech companies are leading the way in the fight against cervical cancer, offering innovative solutions that making screening more accessible, less invasive, and more convenient. As we look to the future, these innovations hold the potential to significantly reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer; empowering women to take charge of their health and ultimately, save lives.
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