Labour MP Dr Peter Prinsley has welcomed the NHS rollout of HPV self-testing kits for women who have missed cervical screening appointments, describing the move as “extremely welcome news”.
Nearly four million women in England are expected to be offered the option of carrying out an HPV test at home, as part of efforts to improve screening uptake and support the NHS ambition of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.
Writing on X, Prinsley said:
“Extremely welcome news today from the NHS: nearly 4 million women in England will be offered HPV self-testing kits if they have not attended cervical screening appointments.”
He added:
“As part of its commitment to eliminating cervical cancer by 2040, the NHS is making it easier than ever to get tested for HPV.”
The new approach is intended to make cervical screening more accessible for women who may have missed appointments because of embarrassment, discomfort, work or caring commitments, or difficulties attending a clinic.
HPV, or human papillomavirus, causes the vast majority of cervical cancer cases. Identifying high-risk HPV early allows the NHS to arrange further checks where necessary.
Prinsley, who worked as a doctor before entering Parliament, urged eligible women to take up the offer if contacted by the NHS.
He said:
“This simple at-home swab could save your life. If you’re invited, please do order a test.”
The rollout has also been welcomed by Health Secretary Yvette Cooper, who said the programme would make it easier for millions of women to stay healthy and access preventative care.
The initiative forms part of a wider NHS focus on prevention and earlier diagnosis, with ministers seeking to remove barriers that stop people participating in screening programmes.
For Prinsley, the scale of the new programme represents a significant opportunity to reach women who have fallen behind with cervical screening and ultimately prevent more cases of cervical cancer.
