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AT-home smear tests will be sent to millions of women in England.

The NHS is targeting those who have not attended cervical cancer screening appointments – around four million women.

The move has been described as a “gamechanger”, making it “easier than ever” for women to get screened, instead of having to visit a GP surgery. 

The kits contain a swab, which is used to collect a sample from the vagina.

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This is then posted back to NHS labs for free, where it is tested for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) – linked to cervical cancer.

Athena Lamnisos, chief executive at The Eve Appeal, said: “Attending a clinic requires people to actively prioritise an appointment among the many competing demands of everyday life.

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“Self-testing which can be done at home will be a step-change for many.”

HPV is a group of viruses which can be passed on through sexual contact and cause no symptoms, but is the main cause of cervical cancer.

Around 13 high-risk types of the virus are known to cause 99.7 per cent of cervical cancers.

HPV can also lead to cancers of the throat and mouth, penis and anus.

Eligible women aged between 30 and 65, who have not attended screening appointments, will be sent invitations from today through the NHS app, text message, email or by letter.

They will then be able to order a kit through the NHS app or online.

Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director for women’s health at NHS England, said: “Screening saves thousands of lives each year by preventing cancers and catching them earlier, but only around two thirds of women are attending cervical screening appointments when invited by the NHS.

“Offering millions of women an alternative test they can do from the comfort of their own homes will be a gamechanger – making it easier than ever for them to get tested for HPV.”

Women aged between 24 and 64 are invited for cervical screening every five years, or more often if HPV is detected.

Latest figures from NHS England show 68.8 per cent of eligible women are up to date with cervical screening, below the 80 per cent target.

Dr Mann said: “There are lots of reasons that may stop women from getting their cervical screening – embarrassment, lack of time, or worries about discomfort – and these kits provide a discreet and convenient option we hope will encourage more women to take up the life-saving test.

“So, if you’re invited to take part, please order a test – it’s a simple swab you can do at home in minutes.”

The phased rollout forms part of the NHS’s target of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.

Ms Lamnisos said: “We have the incredible opportunity to see the back of cervical cancer. How brilliant would that be? But to achieve this, we need to support everyone eligible to attend screening.”

How to protect yourself against cervical cancer

CERVICAL cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women in their early 30s, with around 3,200 new cases and 850 deaths each year in the UK.
According to CRUK, the five-year survival rate is around 70 per cent – and the earlier it is caught, the better.
Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year.
It is vital you attend your smear test and get jabbed when invited, and that you know the symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for.
These aren’t always obvious, and they may not become noticeable until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
But you might notice:

Unusual bleeding (often after sex, between periods, or after the menopause)
Pain and discomfort during sex
Vaginal discharge (often unpleasant smelling)
Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones or in your lower tummy

Women are invited to have regular cervical screenings between the ages of 25 and 64. How often depends on your age.
The HPV vaccine, which helps protect against the virus, is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 and people at higher risk from HPV.
Source: NHS and Cancer Research UK