Being too busy to attend an appointment, or having trouble booking one at all, are among the reasons given, but a common deterrent is people finding the examination anxiety-inducing, painful or embarrassing.
In recent years, at-home self-tests have been developed and a few big trials have been run recently with positive results. But at-home testing isn't yet available on the NHS.
There are currently a few home HPV testing kits available to buy privately, so could these offer a solution? We asked the experts to help you decide what's right for you.
Eat well, live better, stay healthy –Why should you test for HPV?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that most people will get at some point in their lives, and in most cases the immune system will fight it off.
However, certain high-risk HPV strains are of more concern because they are responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer, which is the 14th most common cancer among women in the UK, and according to Cancer Research, the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths for the same group.
This is because these are the ages when you are likely to be most at risk. However, if at any time you have symptoms of concern you should see your GP – don't wait for a screening test.
At-home cervical screening: a game-changer?
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When you attend an in-person cervical screening, the health professional uses a speculum to widen the vagina before taking a sample using a long cotton bud-like stick, but with a home test you don't need to use a speculum.
After taking your own sample using a long cotton bud or tampon, you either post it off for lab testing or, in some cases, wait for a result at home within 15 minutes (a bit like a Covid test).
Self-test HPV kits have already been rolled out successfully in countries including Denmark, Australia and Switzerland, according to the YouScreen study, but they haven't been rolled out on the NHS just yet.
There are, however, some tests available to buy privately, typically costing £50-70.
we explain what's available, how they compare to disposables and how to choose something to suit youDoes a home HPV test mean I can skip cervical screening?
While they are a promising development for those who are reluctant to otherwise get tested, the experts we spoke to cautioned against ditching in-person NHS screening for private tests.An NHS cervical screening appointment isn't just about taking a sample – it also gives the health professional a chance to ask about any symptoms you may be experiencing and to check your vulva for any concerning signs.Not only that, but if high-risk HPV is found, this will kick-start an entire care pathway to ensure you get further tests and treatment if needed. Your sample would be tested for cell changes that could go on to cause cancer (a Pap test).Depending on your results you may then be invited to hospital for a colposcopy and possibly a biopsy to take an even closer look and decide next steps.
Home cervical screening is promising but there are drawbacks
Although the YouScreen trial is encouraging, experts say the evidence isn't currently available to support self-tests replacing smear tests administered by trained healthcare professionals, and are particularly cautious of private offerings.Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, told Which?: 'We would not advise women to use commercial self-testing kits as a replacement for cervical screening provided by the NHS.'Paid-for tests don't always come with all the information you need, and if you do use them, you might not be able to get follow-up care through the NHS' (without starting over and getting an NHS cervical screening test). Cancer Research UK's Dr Rachel Orritt says that research is ongoing to determine if self-testing for cervical screening is accurate before it is considered as part of the national programme, and added: 'We don't encourage people to be screened for cancer outside the NHS national screening programme.'However, given the link between high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes that may lead to cancer, some experts say self-testing for HPV has a role to play in helping women take proactive steps for their health, especially where lack of time, cultural barriers or embarrassment may get in the way.Royal Pharmaceutical Society president Professor Claire Anderson says: 'These tests have become a key tool in increasing access to cervical cancer screening. While this option won’t replace the valuable interaction with a healthcare professional, it provides a less invasive alternative and research shows 99% of people are able to do it accurately at home.'Tips for a more comfortable cervical screening experience
For now, it's worth knowing what you can do to make an in-person test more comfortable. Here are some tips:
Be prepared.Explain how you are feeling upfront. Ask for a different sized speculum. Wear clothes you feel comfortable in.Ask to attend a specialist clinic.Self-testing HPV kits: what's available now?
Please noteAny test you do buy should give clear guidance on what your results mean and next steps. Bear in mind if you get a positive result it's likely you will need to go to your NHS GP and book in for a smear test.
The Doctors Laboratory HPV home test kit (from £55)
Available from , Test type: How it works: What to know:It also cautions: 'The HPV test does not replace the need for regular smear tests.'
Daye HPV Screen (£69)
Available from Test type: How it works:The Daye 'Diagnostic Tampon' – complete with applicator – is worn in the vagina for 20 minutes before being removed and sent to Daye for analysis.
Results come back within five to 10 days with a detailed report. If you test positive for an STI you'll get a free consultation with a sexual health nurse.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/are-diy-smear-tests-the-future-of-cervical-cancer-prevention-aY4dR7o0dIU1