DIY smear tests for women are part of an NHS plan to eradicate cervical cancer by 2040. Outgoing boss Amanda Pritchard has unveiled measures to achieve the “world-leading ambition” including DIY swab kits for thousands of women.
Currently cervical screening involves a medical professional inserting a soft brush to take a sample of cells from the cervix. Embarrassment is thought to be a major reason uptake of screening is not higher and rates have fallen in recent years. and the disease claimed the life of star in 2009.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS England’s chief executive, said: “Eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 is a momentous and world-leading ambition for the NHS, so I’m incredibly proud that today we’re setting out a blueprint to make this a reality and save thousands of women’s lives.
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“We are really excited about the potential to revolutionise access to screening through self-testing. This major plan sets out how the NHS stands ready to roll out DIY swab kits for thousands of women. These tests could in future enable women to take part in screening from the comfort of their own homes, by simply ordering a kit via the NHS App, or through their GP or pharmacy.”
The plan sets out how the DIY swab kits will be rolled out but their use is still subject to approval by the UK National Screening Committee. Cervical cancer has seen rates drop for women in their 20s who received the HPV vaccine, but have increased for women aged 30 to 44.
NHS England data shows that during 2023/24 only 68.8% of 25 to 64-year-olds were screened within the recommended period of time, compared to 68.7% the previous year. Currently all women aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to cervical screening to check the health of their cervix.
The screening is not a test for cancer but looks for abnormal cells to help prevent cancer. A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. These are called "high risk" types of HPV.
If these types of HPV are found, the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
Ms Pritchard is the first woman to lead NHS England and the announcement on eliminating cervical cancer comes before she stands down from the role next week. NHS England as an arms-length quango will then be scrapped and absorbed into the Department of Health and Social Care.
Ms Pritchard added: “We know busy life can get in the way, which is why the NHS is making it even easier to come forward, starting with extending our ‘ping and book’ service to cervical cancer, with more and more women to receive invites on their phone via the NHS App later this year.
“To help boost uptake further, we will also offer HPV vaccinations in new community settings such as pharmacies, as well as enabling people to track the vaccinations they are eligible for and book appointments at the touch of a button via the app.
“Together we can make this life-saving ambition a reality and save many more women the pain and trauma of cancer, and I’m delighted in my final week as chief executive to see the NHS set a clear path to making cervical cancer a disease of the past.”
Cervical cancer causes 685 deaths a year in England. The World Health Organisation’s definition of eliminating cervical cancer is to have an incidence rate of below 4 per 100,000 women.
Ms Pritchard first pledged to eliminate cervical cancer in 2023 but has now outlined a plan to do so and its timeline. At-home cervical screening kits could potentially be rolled out in England from next year. Women will be able to order DIY tests through their GP or pharmacy, or through the NHS App.
Data published by the NHS last November showed five million women are not up to date with routine check-ups. The National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan includes the following milestones by 2030:
90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment (meaning 90% of women with precancer are treated, and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed)
The plan states: “Planning is already underway to ensure that, if the UK National Screening Committee makes a recommendation and it is approved by government and funded, the NHS will be ready to implement it.
“Plans may include allowed tests to be ordered through the NHS App, as well as alternative options for accessing tests. We will ensure there is appropriate laboratory capacity and sufficient reporting capability to track and monitor the effectiveness of self-sampling. We will develop tailored and personalised communications for individuals.
“This may encourage people who would otherwise not come forward to take up their screening offer, improve patient experience and support trauma informed care.”
Athena Lamnisos chief executive of the Eve Appeal charity said: “We welcome the publication of a National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan. We were delighted when an ambitious but achievable target for elimination was set for England, but as we know, a target is just a number if it doesn’t have a plan behind it.
