A groundbreaking study has suggested that menstrual blood could be used as a non-invasive, home-based screening method for cervical cancer. Researchers have found that a simple sanitary pad fitted with a test strip can accurately detect human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for most cervical cancers.
The study, published in the BMJ medical journal, involved 3,068 women aged 20 to 54 in Hubei, China. Each participant provided three samples: menstrual blood collected via a pad and strip, a cervical sample taken by a clinician, and an additional sample for lab processing.
Results showed that the pad-based test had a sensitivity of 94.7% for detecting cervical cell abnormalities (CIN2), compared to 92.1% for clinician-collected samples. While specificity was slightly lower, the probability of a negative test correctly indicating absence of disease was identical for both methods.
Experts have welcomed the findings but urge caution. Sophie Brooks of Cancer Research UK called it 'interesting' but noted that larger, more diverse trials are needed. The Eve Appeal's Athena Lamnisos highlighted that the test would not work for everyone, such as menopausal women, but could offer a choice for those who avoid current screening.
