Home testing kits will be sent out those who never or rarely attend cervical screenings
At-home smear test / Credit: Cancer Research UK
People with a cervix who have never or rarely attend appointments are be offered home-testing kits as part of the cervical screening programme.
The Government‘s groundbreaking initiative, which comes under the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan, aims to revolutionise cervical cancer prevention rates by tackling what are described as ‘deeply-entrenched barriers’ keeping some away from potentially life-saving screenings – including a fear of discomfort, embarrassment, cultural sensitivities, and even the struggle to find time for medical appointments.
Participation in cervical cancer screening currently sits at just 68.8%, according to the Department of Health, which is well below NHS England’s target of 80%.
This therefore means that more than five million women in England are not up to date with their routine check-up.
Women who have rarely or have never attended their cervical screening will now be offered a self-sample kit to complete at home by the NHS.
Women who haven’t come forward for cervical screening will be offered self-sampling kits.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) June 24, 2025
As part of the 10 Year Health Plan, we’re tackling the barriers that keep some women away from potentially lifesaving screenings.
Learn more: https://t.co/id8III4MNC pic.twitter.com/nGrpPNYXug
The self-testing kits – which detect human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that can lead to cervical cancer – will allow women to carry out the testing procedure in the privacy and convenience of their own homes.
The kits will be sent out in discreet packaging, and can be returned via pre-paid mail.
Anyone who may test positive for HPV through self-sampling will then be encouraged to attend a follow-up cervical screening test with a clinician to check for cervical cell changes.
Experts believe this new targeted approach could increase participation in the screening programme and ultimately save more than 5,000 lives each year.
“These self-sampling kits represent healthcare that works around people’s lives, not the other way around,” commented Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting.
“They put women firmly in control of their own health, ensuring we catch more cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages.
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“We know the earlier cancer is diagnosed the better the chances are of survival. By making screening more convenient, we’re tackling the barriers that keep millions of women from potentially life-saving tests.”
Michelle Kane, who is the NHS’s Director of Screening, added: “There are a number of reasons that stop some women taking up the offer of screening and we hope the introduction of self-testing will encourage more women to take up this life-saving test in a way that works for them.”
Featured Image – Cancer Research UK