NHS England has confirmed that texts, emails, letters and NHS app alerts have started going out from this week (August 25) to four million women, urging them to take up the offer of a free HPV self-testing kit. The programme is designed to detect human papillomavirus (HPV), which can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
The self-testing kit contains a swab, similar to a long cotton bud, which is used to collect a sample from the vagina. The sample is then posted back to the NHS for free, where it is checked for high-risk HPV.
Why the NHS is expanding screening options
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.”
“Offering millions of women an alternative test they can do from the comfort of their own homes will be a gamechanger – making it easier than ever for them to get tested for HPV,” she added.
Dr Mann highlighted the barriers that prevent women from attending cervical screening, including embarrassment, lack of time, or worries about discomfort. She said the kits provide “a discreet and convenient option we hope will encourage more women to take up the life-saving test.”
Government and charity response
Labour Party Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Cervical cancer is preventable – but that’s why we want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for women to keep up with their screening.”
“These free self-testing kits will be offered to four million women who are currently behind on their screening to make it easier for as many women as possible to keep themselves healthy and safe,” she said, describing it as part of “the future NHS we are building – there for all of us when we need it, and acting as early as possible to stop preventable deaths.”
Impact on cervical cancer prevention
Cancer Research UK’s Chief Executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: “Cervical screening is a powerful tool that saves lives – it can prevent cervical cancer or spot it at an earlier stage when treatment is more likely to be successful.”
“While it’s best for cervical screening to be done by a nurse or doctor, there are barriers that make it challenging for some people to attend. At-home HPV self-testing kits will help more people take part in a way that works for them,” she added.
Mitchell encouraged those who receive their invitation to consider taking up the offer and to encourage loved ones to do the same. “Beating cervical cancer means beating it for everyone, and this move brings us closer to that goal,” she said.
