Gnosall Surgery has announced on social media that women are being invited to use a free HPV self-testing kit, as the NHS begins a major national rollout.
How it works
The kit contains a swab, similar to a long cotton bud, which is used to collect a sample from the vagina. The sample is then posted back to the NHS free of charge and tested for high-risk HPV, a common virus that can cause cell changes in the cervix and increase the risk of cervical cancer.
If high-risk HPV is found, you'll be invited to book a follow-up appointment at your GP surgery or sexual health clinic, where a nurse or doctor will take a small sample from the cervix to check for any cell changes.
Who is being invited?
The rollout is starting with women aged 30 to 65 who haven't responded to previous cervical screening invitations. Invitations are being sent via 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.
Women aged 24 to 64 are normally invited for cervical screening every five years, but only around 69% of those eligible are currently up to date, well below the NHS target of 80%.
What if I've already been invited for a clinic appointment?
The home kit is an additional option, not a replacement. If you attend your GP or sexual health clinic for cervical screening, carry on booking appointments as normal. And even if your invitation was sent months or years ago, you can still book a clinic appointment at any time.
It's also worth noting that even if you've had the HPV vaccine, you should still attend screening, as the vaccine doesn't protect against all types of HPV.
Why it matters
Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director for Women's Health at NHS England, said the kits would be a "gamechanger", removing common barriers such as embarrassment, lack of time or worries about discomfort. The NHS aims to eliminate cervical cancer in England by 2040.
Source: england.nhs.uk, Gnosall Surgery
