From January, women in England who have delayed their cervical screening will be able to carry out the essential test at home. The new self-sampling packs contain a long swab to collect a vaginal sample for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, the virus linked to the vast majority of cervical cancers. Currently, all women aged 25-64 are invited for screening at set intervals, yet more than five million are behind on appointments, well short of the NHS target for 80 per cent coverage.
Ministers say the move tackles long-standing barriers such as embarrassment, discomfort, lack of time, and cultural concerns. Only 68.8 per cent of eligible women take up the screening offer, with lower rates among younger women, those with disabilities, minority ethnic groups and LGBT+ communities. Trials suggest home testing could lift uptake to about 77 per cent within three years.
Women who have seldom or never attended will be posted discreetly packaged kits with pre-paid return envelopes. If HPV is detected, they will then be invited to a clinic for further checks on cervical cells. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said making screening “simple and convenient” improves early cancer detection and saves lives. Cancer Research UK’s Michelle Mitchell welcomed the scheme, calling it “an important step towards eliminating cervical cancer for everyone”.
Separately, screening intervals will change this summer. Women aged 25-49 who test negative for HPV will move to five-year recalls instead of the current three, after research showed their risk of developing cervical cancer in that period is extremely low.
