A new study of 600 women has determined that at-home smear tests are ‘feasible and popular’.
The research, conducted by scientists at Queen Mary University in London, was presented at the NCRI cancer conference in Glasgow.
The study was led by Dr Belinda Nedjai and colleagues who have developed a non-invasive screening method which involves measuring the chemical change in a urine sample or self-collected vaginal fluid sample. High scores from this can suggest an increased risk of pre-cancer lesions.
While larger trials are needed before the NHS can decide whether to offer the service, the DIY test is being labelled as a potential ‘game-changer’ by charities, as around 25 per cent of UK women who are invited for a smear test in the UK currently do not attend.
However, Nedjai predicts it could take five years for the at home tests to become available.
Smear tests take less than five minutes, and while it can feel invasive, it is necessary to check the health of a women's cervix, as well as screen for abnormal cell changes and Human papillomavirus (HPV).
According to the NHS, nearly all cervical cancers (99.7%) are caused by high risk strains of the HPV virus, which is why having a smear test is so important for potential early diagnosis.
The NHS recommends women in the UK take a smear test every three years between the ages of 25 and 49 – so if you’re over 25 and yet to have a smear test, book one in with your local GP.
Earlier this year we reported on the new pilot scheme by the NHS which looked at offering self-sampling kits for women to do their own smear tests at home.
The idea for the kit came after research found UK women taking smear tests had hit a 21-year-low, with London having the lowest cervical screening uptake in England.
The kit would be sent out in the post and women would swab themselves and seal the sample before sending it back to the lab for testing. This scheme has already seen success in Australia and the Netherlands.
