NHS to offer HPV home testing kits to women who missed cervical screenings

Women who have missed a cervical screening appointment in England are to be offered HPV self-testing kits by the NHS.

Over the next year, nearly four million will receive invites on the NHS App or via text message, email or letter to order a free kit to use at home.

Figures show around a third of women who are eligible cervical cancer screening have not taken up the offer recently.

The self-testing kits are designed to get more women checked for high-risk HPV virus, which causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

Gem Sofianos-Boorman, 39, said her experience shows how important the screening is.

She was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 28, following screening, and says it was the last thing she expected, given she was young, healthy and had no symptoms.

She had surgery to remove the cancerous cells plus lymph nodes from her abdomen and pelvis to stop it spreading.

"Looking back, I truly believe that going to my screening appointment saved my life. My cancer was found early, which allowed me to have treatment before it spread.

"That's why it's great news that the NHS is making it more accessible for some people to take part in screening."

Cervical cancer often doesn't cause any symptoms until the disease is more advanced and harder to treat.

"If you receive an invite to cervical screening, or an offer of a self-testing kit, please don't ignore it - it could save your life."

Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director for women's health, said: "Offering millions of women an alternative test they can do from the comfort of their own homes will be a game-changer – making it easier than ever for them to get tested.

"There are lots of reasons that may stop women from getting their cervical screening – embarrassment, lack of time or worries about discomfort – and these kits provide a discreet and convenient option we hope will encourage more women to take up the life-saving test."

The kits contain a swab, similar to a long cotton, bud which is used to collect a sample from the vagina.

It is then sent back to the NHS and if high-risk HPV is found, individuals will be invited to book a follow-up cervical screening appointment.

High-risk HPV increases the risk of cervical cancer, but it does not mean a woman will automatically develop it.

Trials of the self-testing in London suggest it could lead to one in 10 women to come forward for screening – boosting uptake by around 400,000 a year.

Other parts of the UK are also looking at introducing self-testing.

Women aged 24 to 64 are invited for cervical screening every five years – or more frequently if HPV is detected.

Through a combination of HPV vaccination, which is offered to teenagers, and improved screening, the NHS is hoping to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.

The NHS says cervical screening appointments with a clinician is still the best way to prevent cancer – and even if you have missed an appointment you can still come forward for one.