Women in England who have missed a cervical screening appointment are to be offered HPV home-testing kits by the NHS.
Over the next year, nearly four million women will receive invitations through the NHS App, or by text message, email or letter, to order a free kit.
The kits allow women to take a sample at home, which is then sent to a laboratory to check for high-risk types of human papillomavirus, the main cause of cervical cancer. The test is designed to be simple, with step-by-step instructions provided in the kit.
Health officials hope the approach will reach women who find attending a clinic difficult, whether because of work, caring responsibilities, embarrassment or past discomfort.
“Making the test easier to do at home could remove one of the biggest barriers that stops people coming forward.”
“Making the test easier to do at home could remove one of the biggest barriers that stops people coming forward,” said one screening specialist.
Those who test positive for HPV will be invited for further checks so that any abnormal cells can be identified and treated early.
Charities have warned in recent years that too many eligible women are not attending screening regularly.
Self-sampling has been trialled in parts of the health service and in other countries, where it was found to increase participation among people who had not been screened for some time. Clinicians say the samples are reliable when collected correctly.
Cancer charities have welcomed the move, saying home testing has the potential to save lives if it encourages more women to take part.
Women are being encouraged to look out for their invitation and to continue attending regular screening when they are due.
