NHS expands cervical cancer screening with HPV self-testing kits

The NHS is expanding access to cervical cancer screening by offering HPV self-testing kits to nearly four million women in England. This initiative aims to address significant screening gaps, particularly among South Asian women, who have reported higher levels of embarrassment and discomfort regarding traditional clinical examinations.

Under the national rollout, women aged 30 to 65 who are overdue for screening can receive invitations via the NHS App, text, email, or letter. Eligible individuals can then order a free home-testing kit. In London, all 1,100 GP practices are now offering the self-swab option to help remove barriers such as trauma, discomfort, and cultural concerns. Since the London program began in October 2025, over 3,600 women have utilized the service.

The self-swab method allows women to collect their own sample privately without a clinician performing an internal examination. If a test returns a positive HPV result, follow-up screening with a clinician is required. The NHS intends for these measures to support its goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 through improved early detection.