NHS England has announced that some people will now be able to take part in cervical screening by doing their own HPV test at home rather than having a sample taken by a nurse or doctor. This is called HPV self-testing. It will be offered to some 30 to 65-year-olds who have not taken up cervical screening after being invited.

Cervical screening saves thousands of lives every year by preventing cervical cancer or finding it at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Around 70% of eligible women in England are up to date with cervical screening, but coverage has been gradually declining, meaning millions of people are missing the opportunity to take part in this life-saving programme.

While it’s still best to have cervical screening done by a healthcare professional, there are barriers that can make it harder or even impossible for some people to attend.

HPV self-testing is one way to reduce those barriers and help more people take part in a way that works for them. It will be rolled out gradually to eligible people across England, with around four million invites being sent out in the initial phase.

In this article, we’re answering the biggest questions about HPV self-testing and what it means for cervical screening in England. 

What is HPV self-testing?  

HPV self-testing is a way for people to do their own HPV test at home. This means they can collect the sample themselves rather than having a sample taken by a doctor or nurse. The sample can then be sent off for free in the post, to be checked for high-risk HPV. If high-risk HPV is present in someone’s sample, they will be invited to have an in-person screening test with a healthcare professional to check for abnormal cells. 

Why is HPV self-testing being introduced? 

The aim of self-testing is to help more people take part in cervical screening in a way that works for them.  

There are many reasons why some people don’t take part in cervical screening. They may be embarrassed about having the test, unable to get to their GP, or worried that it could be painful. While there are many ways to make cervical screening more comfortable, the option to do an HPV test at home could make a big difference for people who still find it challenging to attend. In fact, research we helped fund showed that offering HPV self-testing to people who are overdue for screening could help over 400,000 more people in England take part each year. 

HPV self-testing could also play an important role in reducing health inequalities by overcoming barriers that have a greater impact on some groups than others. This can include underserved groups such as those from more deprived backgrounds, ethnic minority groups, LGBTQI+ people, people with learning disabilities, and people who have experienced sexual violence.

How will HPV self‑testing work?

People who are eligible to take part in HPV self-testing will be invited through the NHS app, in a text message, in an email or a letter in the post. The invite will explain how to order a free HPV self-testing kit, which will then be sent to your home.

The kit comes with instructions explaining what to do. There is also a video to help. The kit includes a swab, which is like a long cotton bud. This allows people to take a sample of cells from the vagina.

Once the sample has been taken it can be sent off to the NHS for free in a discreet prepaid envelope.

The sample is then checked for high‑risk HPV, the virus that causes nearly all cervical cancers.

If the sample does not show high–risk HPV, no further tests are needed. You’ll be invited for routine cervical screening again in 5 years if you are still within the eligible age range.

If high–risk HPV is found, this does not mean you have cervical cancer. You will be invited to have a regular cervical screening test with a nurse or doctor. This can be done at your GP practice, sexual health clinic or at a specialist clinic. This follow up test is needed because, unlike a sample taken during cervical screening, an HPV self-test cannot be used to check for abnormal cells on the cervix.

Why isn’t HPV self‑testing offered to everyone? 

The current evidence shows that it’s still best to have your cervical screening done by a healthcare professional, such as a nurse or doctor. Many people take part in cervical screening this way.  

However, HPV self‑testing provides another way for people to take part if they haven’t attended cervical screening when invited. It’s the next best option for those who wouldn’t be screened otherwise. 

It’s possible that future research will show that HPV self-testing is as good as a screening completed by a nurse or doctor, which could affect how it’s offered in the future. 

What do I need to do? 

If you want to take part in cervical screening and are able to attend your screening appointment with a nurse or doctor, you should continue to do so. This is still the most accurate way of taking part in cervical screening.  

You can book a cervical screening appointment at any time – even if you were invited for cervical screening months or years ago.

If you’ve been invited to take part in HPV self-testing, you can still decide to book a cervical screening appointment at your GP, sexual health clinic, or a specialist clinic. Remember, self-testing is being rolled out gradually across England, so it might not be available in your area for a while.

It’s still important to consider taking part in cervical screening if you’ve had your HPV vaccination. This is because the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV.  

Cancer screening is for people without symptoms. If you notice anything that isn’t normal for you, or think you might have symptoms of cervical cancer, don’t wait for your screening invite, contact your GP.