Knowsley residents who have missed their cervical screening appointments may now be able to complete an at home HPV self-test.
Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening every five years. However, around 1 in 3 people do not attend their appointment or choose not to book for a variety of reasons.
The introduction of HPV self-testing at home is designed to make cervical screening more accessible and convenient for those who have not attended previous appointments.
By offering more ways to take part in screening, it is hoped that uptake across Knowsley will increase, reducing the number of preventable cervical cancers and ultimately saving more lives.
What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening (previously known as a smear test) checks the health of the cervix. The screening looks for Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common virus that many people may have at some point in their lives. Most types of HPV are harmless and clear up on their own, however some types can cause changes to the cells of the cervix which, if left untreated, may develop into cervical cancer. Screening helps to identify HPV and any cell changes at an early stage. The earlier any changes are found, the easier they are to treat. Cervical screening saves thousands of lives every year.
Who can get a home HPV self-testing kit?
Women aged from 30 to 65, who have not attended for cervical screening following previous invitations may be eligible for a home HPV self-test kit. If you are eligible, you will be invited via the NHS App, by text message, email or letter explaining how to order a home HPV self-testing kit.
How does the test work?
The self-test kit arrives in discreet packaging and contains a swab, similar to a long cotton bud, with easy to follow instructions on how to complete the test in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Collecting the sample from your vagina is quick and easy to do. You then need to post it back to the NHS for testing in the free, pre-paid envelope provided.
What happens next?
If no HPV is found, you will be invited for your next routine screening appointment in five years.
If high-risk HPV is detected, it does not mean you have cervical cancer. However, you will be invited to attend a cervical screening appointment at your GP practice or sexual health clinic for further checks.
What if I don’t want to use the self-test kit?
You can still book a cervical screening appointment at your GP practice or sexual health clinic any time, even if you were invited months or years ago and you did not attend.
Feeling nervous about cervical screening is normal. If you have any worries or concerns speak to your GP or practice nurse who can provide advice and support and help you feel more comfortable.
If your routine cervical screening is due on or after your 60th birthday and you do not attend, you will receive confirmation that you will no longer receive routine invitations. You may still receive an invitation to request an HPV self-testing kit.
Making screening easier and accessible
The introduction of HPV self-testing at home is designed to make cervical screening more accessible and convenient for those who find it difficult to attend a screening appointment.
By offering more ways to take part in screening, we hope more women in Knowsley will take part, helping to reduce the number of preventable cervical cancers and ultimately save lives.
For trusted information visit:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) – NHS
We are the leading gynaecological cancers charity – The Eve Appeal
Visit Axess sexual health – Axess Sexual Health to find your nearest sexual health clinic which offers a range of free services including contraception, STI testing, pregnancy testing, cervical screening and sexual problems
