NHS could roll out cervical screening test women can do at home
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA “game-changer” DIY cervical screening test that women can do at home could be rolled out on the NHS. The self-testing kit, which is quick and easy to use, could lead to around 400,000 more checks every year, with NHS leaders saying they are looking at making it available in England.
The test works by detecting human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses which cause no symptoms but which can lead to cervical cancer.
About 13 high-risk types of HPV are known to cause 99.7% of all cervical cancers. A new trial, known as the King’s College London YouScreen trial, is the biggest to date and shows how the DIY kit can boost the numbers of women undergoing screening.
Figures show cervical screening uptake is declining, with nearly a third of women in England – particularly younger women – not taking up their most recent test.
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