Overview

• A study led by Queen Mary University of London and King’s College London found that 52% of women returned self-samples when kits were offered opportunistically at GP appointments.
• Postal distribution of kits achieved a 12% return rate and letter invitations only 5%, underlining the impact of in-person offers on participation.
• Researchers estimate that adopting this approach across the NHS could avert up to 1,000 cervical cancer cases in England each year.
• NHS England will begin mailing HPV self-sampling kits to under-screened individuals from January 2026 to increase national screening coverage.
• Study authors recommend adding text or phone reminders to boost kit return rates and ensure follow-up for positive results.