DIY alternative to smear test – ‘promising’ move forward for cervical screening

Researchers say a DIY home swab or urine test could potentially help more women determine whether they are at risk of cervical cancer.

In the recent study undertaken by Queen Mary University of London, scientists asked 600 women to provide self-collected samples for screening. Although they say larger trials are still needed, the study has been hailed as “promising” and a potential “game-changer” by cancer charities.

Researchers say that in the future, the test kits may be ordered online to be used at home, and then samples sent by post to be analysed, and could be available via the NHS in five years.

University College London’s Dr Manuel Rodriguez-Justo, said “This is exciting research that shows it’s possible to detect cervical pre-cancer that is at high risk of developing into invasive cancer in urine and vaginal samples collected by women in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

“This has the potential to revolutionise the way a positive HPV test is followed up, as well as making it easier for women in countries with no cervical cancer screening programme to be tested.”

Health information manager of Cancer Research UK, Sophia Lowes, said “The results look promising for detecting women with advanced cell changes. But we need to know if this test picks up all changes and if it’s as successful when testing a wider group of people.”

Chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Robert Music, said whilst more research was required, the DIY checks could be a “game-changer”.

He went on to say “For women who find the current methods of cervical screening difficult, including those with a physical disability or who have experienced trauma, it could mean they can access screening in a far more acceptable and accessible way.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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