Individuals who miss their cervical screening appointments will soon be given the option to test themselves at home. Under new plans from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), those who do not respond to a screening invite within six months will automatically be sent a self-sampling kit, which can be returned by pre-paid post.

The move follows large-scale trials – including YouScreen and HPValidate – which showed that at-home testing could significantly increase participation. YouScreen suggested up to 400,000 extra people could be screened annually, while HPValidate identified the most accurate and user-friendly swabs for home use. Based on this evidence, the UK National Screening Committee recommended self-sampling earlier this year, and NHS England intends to begin rolling it out from 2026.

If a home test detects high-risk HPV – the virus responsible for almost all cervical cancers – patients will be referred for a follow-up appointment with a clinician. While self-sampling cannot currently identify abnormal cervical cells, experts believe it is a vital step in helping more people take part in screening. Surveys show that embarrassment, fear of pain, and time pressures are key reasons why many do not attend appointments.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, welcomed the move: “Giving people the choice to test in their own home will break down barriers, increase uptake, and ultimately save lives.”