July 24th 2024.
Many people dread going for a smear test, but it's an important part of preventing cervical cancer. In the UK, these screenings save thousands of lives every year. However, despite their life-saving benefits, the number of women attending has been declining. In fact, almost a third of eligible women in England did not attend their most recent test. This drop has been attributed to various reasons, such as embarrassment, fear of pain, and inconvenient appointments, especially among younger women.
To address these barriers and reach more women, the NHS is introducing new DIY screening kits. These kits have been hailed as groundbreaking and have the potential to reach an additional 400,000 women in England every year. In a trial conducted in London, 85% of the women offered a YouScreen kit accepted it, and 56% returned a self-sample. Lead investigator, Dr. Anita Lim, from King's College London, believes that self-sampling can be a game-changer in making cervical screening easier and protecting more people from this highly preventable cancer.
But how exactly do these home kits work and how can you get one? According to Dr. Raj Arora, a GP specializing in women's health, skincare, and mental health, these kits are designed to detect Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer. They look similar to a Covid-19 lateral flow test, with a long swab that is inserted into the vagina. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing. Dr. Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, explains that medical professionals can detect HPV cells in the sample and determine if the patient is at risk of or already suffering from cervical cancer. If HPV cells are detected, the patient will be contacted for an in-person cervical screening.
Compared to clinician-administered tests, at-home smear tests are less embarrassing and uncomfortable. Dr. Raj explains that self-testing gives the patient more control over any potential discomfort, and the test itself can be done quickly. Dr. Grant adds that unlike GP smear tests, at-home swabs don't need to touch the cervix, making the process virtually painless for women.
And the best part? These self-screening kits are just as accurate as tests carried out in a doctor's office. However, it's essential to follow the instructions carefully for accurate results. Dr. Raj warns that if the test is not carried out correctly, further examination by a GP or nurse may be necessary.
To perform a cervical screening at home, it's vital to follow the instructions provided in the kit. Dr. Grant advises handling the sample with care and placing it in the provided packaging immediately to avoid any discrepancies that could affect the results. It's also crucial to rotate the swab for the instructed period, usually 5-6 times, as advised by Dr. Raj.
At the moment, there is no set date for when these kits will be readily available on the NHS. However, following the successful trial, NHS England's director of screening and vaccination, Deborah Tomalin, has stated that they are working with the UK National Screening Committee to consider the feasibility of rolling out these kits across England. In the meantime, home HPV tests can be purchased online from providers like Check4Cancer and Superdrug Online Doctor. However, these are not approved as part of the UK's cervical screening program, so it's essential to still attend a smear test when invited by your GP.
Ultimately, it's crucial to choose the testing method that best suits your needs and provides the most comfort. However, the importance of regular screening, whether at home or with a GP, should never be underestimated. As Dr. Grant emphasizes, "the importance of regular screening, be that at home or with a GP, should never be undermined." So, if you have a story to share or any concerns, please get in touch by emailing us.
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