Wolverhampton women who miss cervical screening to be offered HPV home-testing

Women in Wolverhampton who have not attended cervical cancer screening appointments will be offered human papillomavirus (HPV) home-testing.

Data suggests around a third of women are not up to date with their cervical screening, and so the NHS is rolling out self-testing kits to encourage more women to complete their potentially lifesaving screening to detect HPV, which can increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Women who are eligible will receive an invitation – via the NHS App, text message, email or letter – to order a free self-testing kit online. It contains a swab to collect a sample which is posted back to the NHS for free. If high-risk HPV is found, individuals will be invited to book a follow-up cervical screening appointment at their GP surgery or sexual health clinic.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community, said: "Two women die every day from cervical cancer in England, yet it is one of the most preventable cancers.

"Cervical screening checks for high-risk types of HPV, which is a common virus that can cause changes to cells in the cervix. These changes can usually be treated before cancer develops – which is why screening is so important."

Women aged 24-64 are invited for cervical screening by the NHS every five years, or more frequently if HPV is detected.

HPV self-testing is being rolled out in phases across England, starting with those aged between 30 and 65 who have not attended cervical screening following previous invitations.

Separately, an enhanced service was launched by the council and health partners earlier this year giving patients in Wolverhampton greater access to cervical screening appointments, including evenings and weekends, along with targeted outreach to people who have not booked or have missed appointments.

Councillor Ahmed added: "Together, we hope these initiatives will help increase awareness, improve access, and support more people to take up their offer of cervical cancer screening when it is due."

For more information about cervical screening, visit www.nhs.uk/cervicalscreening.