The NHS is already sending at-home test kits to women in some areas of England who have missed several cervical screening appointments. These DIY test kits containing a vaginal swab will be sent out more widely at some point this year.
Cervical screening appointments, external are offered to all women, and anyone with a cervix, every five years between the age of 25 and 64 in the UK. Screening looks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cancer.
A nurse or doctor carries out the test, which involves a speculum being inserted into the vagina to allow access to the cervix.
But five million women are not up to date with the test, research shows, and there are many reasons why – including fear, pain and discomfort.
“Cervical screening can be difficult for some women for many reasons, like if they have had a bad previous experience, they are menopausal, they have a physical or learning disability, cultural barriers, or are a survivor of sexual violence,” says Athena Lamnisos from charity The Eve Appeal.
Younger women, those with disabilities, or those from ethnic minority communities and LGBT+ groups are more likely to miss appointments, officials say.
Doctors have offered advice on how to make cervical screening more comfortable.