Latest news with #YouScreen
Metro
4 days ago
- Health
- Metro
Everything you need to know about the new NHS home smear tests
While nobody likes going for a smear test, screenings are vital in preventing cervical cancer. Despite the fact cervical screenings save thousands of lives each year in the UK, though, uptake has gradually declined, and nearly a third of eligible women in England didn't attend their most recent test. The drop has been blamed – when it comes to younger women in particular – on embarrassment, fears over the test causing pain, and a lack of convenient appointments. So in an effort to combat barriers and potentially reach an additional 400,000 women in England every year, the NHS is set to roll out 'groundbreaking' new DIY screening kits. After a trial which saw 27,000 YouScreen kits issued to patients who were overdue a smear across London GPs, 85% of those offered one accepted and 56% returned a self-sample. Lead investigator Dr Anita Lim, from King's College London, said: 'Self-sampling has been hailed as a game-changer. 'It is crucial we make cervical screening easier… to help protect more people from this highly preventable cancer. The YouScreen trial has given us the evidence we need to demonstrate that self-sampling helps get more women screened.' How do these home kits work, though, and how can you get one? Dr Raj Arora, a GP specialising in women's health, skincare and mental health, tells 'Essentially these kits are looking to detect Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that causes most cervical cancers.' They look similar to a Covid-19 lateral flow test, with a long swab which is entered into the vagina. The sample is then put into a test tube and sent to a lab. 'Medical professionals will be able to detect HPV cells to understand if the patient is at risk or suffering from cervical cancer,' Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, tells 'If HPV cells are detected, the patient will be contacted for an in-person cervical screening.' According to Dr Raj, 'a self-test means that the patient has more control over any potential discomfort and also the test itself can be quicker to carry out,' while Dr Grant highlights: 'Unlike GP smear tests, at-home swabs don't need to touch the cervix, making the process much more painless for women.' As well as being more convenient, the great news about these self-screenings is that they're just as precise, and pick up the same abnormalities, as tests carried out in your doctor's surgery. There is a caveat, though. 'Studies have shown a similar accuracy to in-clinic cervical screening as long as the test is carried out correctly,' says Dr Raj. Dr Grant agrees, adding: 'Accurate results largely depend on the user's ability to follow the instructions and correctly collect the swab.' If the results are of concern or the home test hasn't been administered correctly, further examination by a GP or nurse may be required. To get the right results, it's vital you follow the instructions on your cervical self-screening kit carefully. Dr Grant advises caution when handling the sample, commenting: 'As soon as the swab is collected, it should be carefully placed in the provided packaging to avoid skewing the results, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis. 'It's also important to ensure that you rotate the swab for the instructed period of time (around 20-30 seconds) or 5-6 times,' says Dr Raj. The Department of Health confirmed in a recent announcement that these kits will be available through the NHS from January 2026, and will be offered to women in England who have rarely or never attended cervical screening. More Trending In the meantime, Home HPV tests can be purchased online through providers such as Check4Cancer and Superdrug Online Doctor. However, these aren't approved as part of the UK's cervical screening programme, so you should still attend a smear test when you're invited by your GP. View More » Dr Grant says: 'Ultimately, women should choose the testing method that best suits their needs and provides the most comfort. However, the importance of regular screening, be that at home or with a GP, should never be undermined.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Jessie J shares health update with a trigger warning after breast cancer operation MORE: The biggest pros and cons of weight loss jabs as NHS begins mass Mounjaro rollout MORE: Everything we know so far about the NHS maternity investigation Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
New mail-in smear tests could save 5,000 lives each year
The NHS will introduce DIY cervical cancer screening tests for women in England who have consistently missed traditional appointments. The self-administered kits, designed to detect HPV, will be mailed to eligible women starting January 2026. The initiative aims to increase screening uptake by addressing barriers like discomfort or lack of time, ultimately leading to earlier detection of cervical cancer. Research, including the YouScreen trial, suggests that offering self-sampling kits could boost uptake by approximately 400,000 women annually. The Department of Health and Social Care anticipates the new program could potentially save around 5,000 lives each year by targeting underserved groups and making screening more convenient.
ITV News
5 days ago
- Health
- ITV News
At-home HPV tests to be offered in England to drive down cervical cancer cases
Thousands of women who have consistently missed offers for cervical screening are to be offered at-home HPV tests in a bid to prevent cases of cervical cancer. The tests, which can be performed at home, look for the human papillomavirus (HPV) – the virus which is linked to the majority of cases of cervical cancer. After getting the nod from the UK National Screening Committee in March, the NHS in England is going to offer the tests to certain women. It is expected that the rollout will begin in January next year. The NHS offers cervical screening tests – previously known as smear tests – to all women aged 25-64 every three years. But many people do not take up the offer, with a number citing a lack of time, discomfort or embarrassment. Data published by the NHS last November showed five million women are not up to date with routine check-ups. Now, officials have said that at-home kits will be offered to women who have rarely or have never attended their cervical screening. The initiative will see women sent a self-sampling kit in the post, which can be returned via pre-paid mail. People who were found to have the HPV virus will be encouraged to attend an in-person appointment with a clinician. Research has suggested that offering DIY testing kits could boost uptake. The YouScreen trial, which was led by King's College London in partnership with NHS England, found that offering self-sampling kits to 'under-screened' women when they attend their GP practice and by posting kits to women's homes could boost uptake in England by about 400,000 each year. The Department of Health and Social Care said the new approach could potentially save about 5,000 lives a year across England. It said that the new programme 'specifically targets those groups consistently missing vital appointments' including: younger women, those from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities and LGBT+ people. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'These self-sampling kits represent healthcare that works around people's lives, not the other way around. 'They put women firmly in control of their own health, ensuring we catch more cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages. 'Our 10-year health plan will fundamentally reform the NHS, shifting focus from treating illness to preventing it before it starts. 'We know the earlier cancer is diagnosed the better the chances are of survival. 'By making screening more convenient, we're tackling the barriers that keep millions of women from potentially life-saving tests.' Dr Anita Lim, chief investigator of the YouScreen trial from King's College London, added: 'This is a significant step forward for cervical cancer prevention and brings us closer to the NHS goal of eliminating the disease by 2040. 'The YouScreen trial, which provided self-sampling HPV kits to under-screen women in London, demonstrated that self-sampling could reach people who find it difficult to attend traditional screening – including those from diverse and underserved populations. 'It's hugely positive to see this now reflected in national policy, helping more people get protected from this highly preventable cancer.' Michelle Kane, NHS England's director of screening, added: 'There are a number of reasons that stop some women taking up the offer of screening and we hope the introduction of self-testing will encourage more women to take up this life-saving test in a way that works for them. 'I'd encourage anyone who gets an invite for a cervical screening, either from their local GP practice or the NHS App, to attend and if you have any worrying symptoms, please contact your GP. It could save your life.'
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
At-home tests offered to women to drive down cervical cancer cases
The tests, which can be performed at home, look for the human papillomavirus (HPV) – the virus which is linked to the majority of cases of cervical cancer. After getting the nod from the UK National Screening Committee in March, the NHS in England is going to offer the tests to certain women. It is expected that the rollout will begin in January next year. The NHS offers cervical screening tests – previously known as smear tests – to all women aged 25-64 every three years. But many people do not take up the offer, with a number citing a lack of time, discomfort or embarrassment. Data published by the NHS last November showed five million women are not up to date with routine check-ups. Now officials have said that at-home kits will be offered to women who have rarely or have never attended their cervical screening. The initiative will see women sent a self-sampling kit in the post which can be returned via pre-paid mail. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the move could break down 'barriers that keep millions of women from potentially life-saving tests' (Lucy North/PA) People who were found to have the HPV virus will be encouraged to attend an in-person appointment with a clinician. Research has suggested that offering DIY testing kits could boost uptake. The YouScreen trial, which was led by King's College London in partnership with NHS England, found that offering self-sampling kits to 'under-screened' women when they attend their GP practice and by posting kits to women's homes could boost uptake in England by about 400,000 each year. The Department of Health and Social Care said the new approach could potentially save about 5,000 lives a year across England. It said that the new programme 'specifically targets those groups consistently missing vital appointments' including: younger women, those from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities and LGBT plus people. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'These self-sampling kits represent healthcare that works around people's lives, not the other way around. 'They put women firmly in control of their own health, ensuring we catch more cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages. 'Our 10-year health plan will fundamentally reform the NHS, shifting focus from treating illness to preventing it before it starts. 'We know the earlier cancer is diagnosed the better the chances are of survival. 'By making screening more convenient, we're tackling the barriers that keep millions of women from potentially life-saving tests.' Dr Anita Lim, chief investigator of the YouScreen trial from King's College London, added: 'This is a significant step forward for cervical cancer prevention and brings us closer to the NHS goal of eliminating the disease by 2040. 'The YouScreen trial, which provided self-sampling HPV kits to under-screen women in London, demonstrated that self-sampling could reach people who find it difficult to attend traditional screening – including those from diverse and underserved populations. 'It's hugely positive to see this now reflected in national policy, helping more people get protected from this highly preventable cancer.' Michelle Kane, NHS England's director of screening, added: 'There are a number of reasons that stop some women taking up the offer of screening and we hope the introduction of self-testing will encourage more women to take up this life-saving test in a way that works for them. 'I'd encourage anyone who gets an invite for a cervical screening, either from their local GP practice or the NHS App, to attend and if you have any worrying symptoms, please contact your GP. It could save your life.'
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
At-home tests offered to women to drive down cervical cancer cases
The tests, which can be performed at home, look for the human papillomavirus (HPV) – the virus which is linked to the majority of cases of cervical cancer. After getting the nod from the UK National Screening Committee in March, the NHS in England is going to offer the tests to certain women. It is expected that the rollout will begin in January next year. The NHS offers cervical screening tests – previously known as smear tests – to all women aged 25-64 every three years. But many people do not take up the offer, with a number citing a lack of time, discomfort or embarrassment. Data published by the NHS last November showed five million women are not up to date with routine check-ups. Now officials have said that at-home kits will be offered to women who have rarely or have never attended their cervical screening. The initiative will see women sent a self-sampling kit in the post which can be returned via pre-paid mail. People who were found to have the HPV virus will be encouraged to attend an in-person appointment with a clinician. Research has suggested that offering DIY testing kits could boost uptake. The YouScreen trial, which was led by King's College London in partnership with NHS England, found that offering self-sampling kits to 'under-screened' women when they attend their GP practice and by posting kits to women's homes could boost uptake in England by about 400,000 each year. The Department of Health and Social Care said the new approach could potentially save about 5,000 lives a year across England. It said that the new programme 'specifically targets those groups consistently missing vital appointments' including: younger women, those from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities and LGBT plus people. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'These self-sampling kits represent healthcare that works around people's lives, not the other way around. 'They put women firmly in control of their own health, ensuring we catch more cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages. 'Our 10-year health plan will fundamentally reform the NHS, shifting focus from treating illness to preventing it before it starts. 'We know the earlier cancer is diagnosed the better the chances are of survival. 'By making screening more convenient, we're tackling the barriers that keep millions of women from potentially life-saving tests.' Dr Anita Lim, chief investigator of the YouScreen trial from King's College London, added: 'This is a significant step forward for cervical cancer prevention and brings us closer to the NHS goal of eliminating the disease by 2040. 'The YouScreen trial, which provided self-sampling HPV kits to under-screen women in London, demonstrated that self-sampling could reach people who find it difficult to attend traditional screening – including those from diverse and underserved populations. 'It's hugely positive to see this now reflected in national policy, helping more people get protected from this highly preventable cancer.' Michelle Kane, NHS England's director of screening, added: 'There are a number of reasons that stop some women taking up the offer of screening and we hope the introduction of self-testing will encourage more women to take up this life-saving test in a way that works for them. 'I'd encourage anyone who gets an invite for a cervical screening, either from their local GP practice or the NHS App, to attend and if you have any worrying symptoms, please contact your GP. It could save your life.'
