Thousands of women across Lincolnshire who have not attended cervical screening appointments will be offered a home HPV testing kit as part of a national rollout.
The NHS has started rolling out HPV self-testing kits to encourage more women to complete their potentially life-saving screening to detect human papillomavirus (HPV), which can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
The initiative is designed to make screening more accessible and help prevent cervical cancer.
Data from March 2024 shows that approximately 53,000 eligible women in the area were not up to date with cervical screening, representing 27% of the eligible population.
Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for high-risk types of HPV. It is a common virus that can cause changes to cells in the cervix. These changes can usually be treated before cancer develops.
How the HPV home testing kit works
The self-testing kit contains a swab, similar to a long cotton bud, which is used to collect a sample. The sample is then posted back to the NHS for free, where it is checked for high-risk HPV.
If high-risk HPV is found, individuals will be invited to book a follow-up cervical screening appointment at their GP practice or sexual health clinic. During this appointment, a clinician will take a small sample from the cervix to check for cell changes.
Dr Dave Briggs, Executive Director of Outcomes (Medical) at NHS Derby and Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB cluster, said:
“In Lincolnshire, 73% of eligible women are up to date with their cervical screening, which is below the national target.
“Cervical screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer, but we know that not everyone takes up the offer when invited.
“People tell us there can be many reasons for this, including embarrassment, concerns about discomfort, anxiety, or simply finding it difficult to fit appointments around work and family life.
“By offering a safe and convenient test that can be completed at home, we hope more women will feel able to take part in this life-saving programme.
“If you’re invited to take part, please do order a test, it could save your life.”
Who will be offered a home testing kit?
HPV self-testing is an invitation-only offer and is being rolled out in phases across England as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, starting with those aged between 30 and 65 who have not attended cervical screening following previous invitations.
Women who are eligible will receive invitations via the NHS App, text message, email or letter. Once invited, they will be able to order a free kit through the NHS App or their NHS online account.
This is the next major step the NHS is taking in its pledge to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, by making it as easy as possible for people to get the lifesaving HPV vaccination and increasing cervical screening attendance.
Cervical screening appointments with a clinician remain an important part of the programme. People who routinely attend for cervical screening at their GP practice should continue to book their appointments as normal.
Anyone who has been invited for cervical screening can still book an appointment at any time, even if the invitation was sent months or years ago.