Period blood test could offer less invasive alternative to cervical screening

"Testing period blood for signs of cervical cancer could be an accurate and convenient way of screening for the disease, researchers say. The current NHS test involves a nurse or doctor taking a sample of cells from the cervix - but a third of women invited for screening do not attend. A study of the new test, which can be carried out at home, used blood collected on a cotton strip attached to a standard sanitary pad."

"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 are offered to all women, and anyone with a cervix, every five years between the age of 25 and 64 in the UK."

A study in The BMJ evaluated menstrual blood collected on a cotton strip attached to a sanitary pad as an at-home method to detect signs of cervical cancer. The current NHS screening requires a clinician to collect cervical cells using a speculum, yet a third of invited women do not attend and five million are not up to date. Reported barriers include fear, pain, menopausal status, physical or learning disabilities, cultural barriers, and past sexual violence. Younger women, those with disabilities, ethnic minority communities and LGBT+ groups are more likely to miss appointments. The NHS already sends at-home vaginal swab kits to some who missed screening and plans wider distribution.

Read at www.bbc.com