Essex residents who have missed cervical screening to be offered home HPV tests
Women and people with a cervix aged 30 to 65 who are eligible for HPV self-testing will be contacted through the NHS App
Eligible residents will start receiving invitations to take a free HPV self-test at home as part of a NHS initiative to help prevent cervical cancer.
The invite-only home testing option is being introduced to 'understand and address the barriers that can prevent people from attending cervical screening'.
Dr Elizabeth Towers, NHS Essex System Clinical Lead for Cancer, said: "We know that everyone's circumstances and experiences are different, and that attending screening can be difficult for some people.
"For those who have missed screening and are invited to self-test, taking an HPV test at home offers another opportunity to take an important step towards protecting their health.
“Cervical screening remains one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer"
"A sample taken by a trained healthcare professional can be checked for both high-risk HPV and, where needed, cell changes, so anyone who receives a routine invitation should continue to book an appointment.”
A survey of 665 Essex residents found that while most women were aware of the importance of cervical screening and intended to take part, factors including anxiety, fear of pain, previous negative experiences and concerns about getting an appointment can make attendance more difficult.
Women and people with a cervix aged 30 to 65 who are eligible for HPV self-testing will be contacted through the NHS App, text message, email or letter. Those invited can order a free HPV self-test, complete it privately at home and return it to the NHS by post.
The self-test checks for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for almost all cervical cancers. Anyone with a positive result will be invited to a follow-up cervical screening appointment at their GP practice or sexual health clinic, where a healthcare professional will take a sample to check for cell changes.
Women and people with a cervix who receive a routine cervical screening invitation should continue to book as usual.
Anyone who has put off or missed screening can contact their GP practice at any time to arrange an appointment.
GP practices can offer extra time, arrange for a female healthcare professional to carry out the test and discuss other ways to make the appointment more comfortable.