Self-Collection Kits at GP Visits Could Significantly Reduce Cervical Cancer Cases

A groundbreaking study led by Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with King's College London highlights the potential of offering self-collection HPV testing kits during routine GP appointments to prevent cervical cancer. The research, published in EClinicalMedicine, demonstrates that women who are overdue for cervical screening are more likely to participate when they receive a self-sampling kit from their healthcare professional during a regular visit. Notably, over 50% of women offered a kit in this manner completed the test, which could translate into preventing approximately 1,000 cases of cervical cancer annually if adopted across the NHS.

Currently, many women avoid or delay cervical screenings due to discomfort, embarrassment, or scheduling challenges. The introduction of at-home testing kits is a promising strategy to address these barriers, providing a less invasive and more accessible alternative. In England, soon to be available, HPV home-testing kits will give women the option to stay current with their cervical health screening without the need for internal examinations.

The study involved 13 GP practices in west London, where practices were divided into two groups: one offered in-person kit offers during appointments, and the other did not. Results showed that women who received kits during consultations had a significantly higher rate of participation—52% accepted and returned the samples—compared to just 12% from postal offers and 5% from letter-only invitations. The findings suggest that a combined approach, utilizing both opportunistic offers and systematic mailing, could be most effective in boosting screening uptake.

Professor Peter Sasieni from Queen Mary emphasized that cervical cancer is highly preventable through regular screening, which can reduce risk by up to 80-90%, especially for women not vaccinated against HPV. Dr. Anita Lim from King’s College London noted that self-sampling empowers women, particularly when offered by trusted healthcare providers, and could substantially improve screening rates.

With only 66% of eligible women in the UK being up-to-date with their screening in 2024—down from 80% in previous years—these innovative approaches are critical. Increasing participation in screening is essential, as it saves lives by catching potential cancers early. The researchers advocate for incorporating self-sampling kits into routine healthcare visits, especially in systems where GPs serve as the primary point of contact, such as in the UK and Australia.

Cervical cancer affects about 3,300 women annually in the UK, and screening has historically prevented many cases. Vaccination efforts are ongoing, but for women born before 1990 who may not benefit from HPV vaccination, regular screening remains the most effective prevention method. Ultimately, making cervical screening more accessible and acceptable through innovative strategies such as self-collection kits could be a significant step toward eliminating preventable cervical cancer cases.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-kits-gp-women-year-cervical.html