Nearly 4 million women in England who have missed routine checks can now order a self-testing kit to screen for high-risk HPV. The initiative, announced by NHS England, aims to provide an alternative route to detection for those who have not attended an in-clinic cervical screening appointment. Kits are intended for use by women eligible for cervical screening who have previously been invited but did not take part.
The home kits test for strains of HPV that are linked to a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Detection of these high-risk types can prompt further assessment, including clinical examination and, where necessary, follow-up tests. The move to offer self-sampling reflects efforts to widen access to initial HPV screening while keeping clinical pathways in place for any required subsequent care.
Health authorities say the option to order and return a self-sampling kit is designed to remove barriers linked to attendance, such as practical obstacles or discomfort with clinic-based tests. The programme does not replace standard invitations to in-person screening but offers an additional route for those who have previously missed appointments. Women who receive a positive test result will remain in established clinical follow-up pathways to determine next steps.
Officials emphasise that regular cervical screening remains a key public health tool for the early identification of pre-cancerous changes. The availability of home kits is part of a broader effort to ensure eligible people are offered screening in ways that suit different circumstances and to maintain oversight of follow-up care. For official guidance and instructions on how to obtain a kit, NHS information is available via NHS online services, while broader information on cervical screening can be found under the health service’s resources on cervical screening.
