Published: 00:00 BST, 25 August 2026 | Updated: 00:07 BST, 25 August 2026
From today, DIY smear tests will be sent out to four million women across England who have failed to turn up to their in-person appointment in a bid to boost cervical cancer screening uptake and save lives.
Having tried it myself – I was one of 27,000 British women who used it as part of a trial – I think it's a brilliant idea.
It could not have been quicker or simpler. In fact, I did mine in around two minutes, in the office loo, during my morning coffee break.
And like NHS health chiefs, I am convinced if all women had the option, it would increase numbers taking these tests — something that's absolutely needed.
Currently in the UK, women aged 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening at their GP surgery every five years, unless they are considered high risk.
The traditional method involves lying, naked from the waist down, with your legs up as a nurse inserts a tube-shaped instrument called a speculum into the vagina.
This allows them to see the cervix — the opening to the uterus — and take a sample of cells from it, which are then tested for human papillomavirus virus, or HPV, which causes 99 per cent of cervical cancers.
I don't mind it, personally. It's vaguely uncomfortable but not a problem. However, I have friends who find it painful.
Health editor Eve Simmons, pictured, tested out a new NHS cervical cancer screening test which can be done at home or in the office
But more importantly, screening uptake overall isn't great. Only about 60 per cent of eligible women turn up for their scheduled test.
Embarrassment is a factor, according to research by cervical cancer charities. This can be particularly as issue for women from certain cultural backgrounds.
But for half of the no-shows every year, getting time off work and finding a convenient time to fit in an appointment are the reasons they miss it.
The new DIY approach will effectively tackle all these issues at once.
In what has been hailed as a 'gamechanging' next step towards eliminating cervical cancer, eligible women will start receiving invitations today via the NHS App, text message, email or letter.
