Millions of women in England who have not attended cervical screening appointments will be sent free home testing kits by the NHS, starting today (Tuesday, August 25). The move has been described as a “gamechanger” that offers a “discreet and convenient option” to encourage more women to get checked.
How the home testing kits work
Each kit includes a swab, which is used to collect a sample from the vagina. The sample is then posted back free of charge to NHS labs, where it is tested for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).
Eligible women aged between 30 and 65 who have not attended screening appointments will receive invitations from today via the NHS app, text message, email, or letter. They will then be able to order a kit either online or via the NHS app.
Why cervical screening matters
HPV is a group of viruses which can be transmitted through sexual contact and cause no symptoms. Around 13 high-risk types of the virus are known to cause 99.7% of cervical cancers.
Women between the ages of 24 and 64 are invited for cervical screening every five years, or more often if testing detects HPV. The latest figures from NHS England show 68.8% of eligible women are up to date with cervical screening, well below the 80% target. The NHS estimates this means around four million women aren't up to date.
NHS aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040
The phased rollout forms part of the health service's target of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040. Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director for women’s health at NHS England, said: “Screening saves thousands of lives each year by preventing cancers and catching them earlier, but only around two-thirds of women are attending cervical screening appointments when invited by the NHS.”
She added: “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 for HPV.”
Dr Mann also said: “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. So, if you’re invited to take part, please order a test – it’s a simple swab you can do at home in minutes.”
Personal stories and charity support
Gem Sofianos-Boorman was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 28 after taking up her invitation for cervical screening. She said “it was the last thing” she expected, as she was “young, healthy, and had no symptoms”.
Ms Sofianos-Boorman, now 39, said: “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 symptoms in its early stages, so screening plays a really important role in finding something before it might become serious.”
Athena Lamnisos, chief executive at gynaecological cancers charity The Eve Appeal, said: “Cervical screening is designed to prevent cervical cancer rather than respond to symptoms. Attending a clinic requires people to actively prioritise an appointment among the many competing demands of everyday life. Self-testing, which can be done at home, will be a step-change for many. We have the incredible opportunity to see the back of cervical cancer. How brilliant would that be? But to achieve this, we need to support everyone eligible to attend the screening. This is not a replacement for clinician screening, and we will continue to work with and support those attending their traditional cervical screening, to help make their appointments more comfortable and accessible.”
