NHS Considers DIY Cervical Cancer Testing to Improve Screening Rates

New trial shows home testing kits could lead to one million additional screenings over three years, addressing barriers to traditional smear tests.

King's College London trial found self-testing kits significantly increased screening rates, especially among underserved groups.
DIY kits detect HPV, the virus responsible for nearly all cervical cancers, using a simple vaginal swab.
Self-testing could be especially beneficial for women who avoid traditional screenings due to discomfort, embarrassment, or inconvenience.
The NHS is evaluating the feasibility of nationwide rollout following promising trial results.
Countries like Australia, Denmark, and the Netherlands already use similar self-testing kits.