NHS Cervical screening at home

A new NHS service is offering some women the option to test for high-risk HPV at home.

The NHS is beginning to roll out self-testing kits in England for women who have not attended cervical screening after receiving invitations. This could provide an easier way to take part in the screening programme that helps prevent cervical cancer.

Around 4 million women in England are not on track with cervical screening.

What is HPV self-testing?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus. Some types of the virus cause change to cells in the cervix, which can sometimes develop into cervical cancer.

The new self-testing kit contains a swab, similar to a long cotton bud. After completing the test, it is then posted it back to the NHS free of charge. The sample is checked for high-risk HPV.

The self-testing programme is being introduced in phases. Initially, it is being offered to women aged 30 to 65 who have not attended cervical screening following previous NHS invitations.

Those eligible will receive an invitation through the NHS App, text message, email or letter. Once invited, you can order a free kit through the NHS App or your NHS online account.

There can be many reasons why someone doesn't attend screening, including worries about discomfort or embarrassment, lack of time or difficulties getting to an appointment.

The new self-testing option aims to remove some of these barriers by allowing eligible people to take the test privately at home.

If you receive an NHS invitation for cervical screening or HPV self-testing, please consider taking up the opportunity. Cervical screening can help prevent cervical cancer by identifying high-risk HPV and detecting changes before they develop into cancer.

For more information about the new HPV self-testing programme, eligibility and what happens after your test, read the full NHS announcement.

NHS screening at home