The Department of Health and Social Care has announced a major development in the NHS cervical screening programme: from January 2026, HPV self-sampling kits will be offered to individuals who do not attend, or rarely attend, their cervical screening appointments.
Currently, cervical screening in the UK is carried out at GP surgeries, where a sample is taken by a nurse or doctor. However, attendance rates have been falling steadily in recent years. This new initiative aims to reach those who may have found it difficult or uncomfortable to attend in-person appointments, offering them an alternative method to take the first step in protecting their cervical health.
Cervical screening is estimated to save around 5,000 lives each year in the UK by detecting high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus) and preventing cervical cancer from developing. Despite its proven effectiveness, barriers to access and participation remain a concern.
The introduction of self-sampling has long been advocated by experts and campaigners, including researchers and organisations such as The Eve Appeal, CEW’s charity partner. The Eve Appeal has been actively involved in the working group that contributed to recommendations for incorporating HPV self-sampling into the NHS screening programme.
“This announcement brings us closer to ensuring that everyone has access to the care and information they need to protect themselves,” said a spokesperson from The Eve Appeal. “For many people, offering a choice in how screening is carried out could make a significant difference.”
The self-sampling test will enable individuals to collect their own sample at home and send it to a laboratory for analysis – potentially removing some of the barriers associated with in-clinic appointments, such as embarrassment, discomfort, or difficulty accessing services.
Further information about how the tests will work, what to expect, and answers to frequently asked questions are available on The Eve Appeal’s blog.
