Cervical screening my way – New Healthwatch report

New data show that three-quarters of women hesitant about cervical screening would use a self-testing kit if it was available free on the NHS. A national poll of 2,444 women commissioned by Healthwatch England and a series of in-depth interviews (also commissioned by Healthwatch England and conducted by local Healthwatch, including Healthwatch Surrey) highlight that pain, fear, and misconceptions make women hesitant about taking up invitations for cervical screening appointments. Healthwatch England have published the results in their report – Cervical screening my way – report (healthwatch.co.uk) 

Cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer among women in the UK. 

Although it’s highly preventable through regular cervical screening, screening uptake has been decreasing with nearly a third of eligible women in England not coming forward for screening in 2023.  

Earlier this year a trial led by Kings College London to offer self-testing kits to women who hadn’t taken up screening invitations concluded it could boost the number of women undergoing cervical screening by 400,000 a year.  

Women we interviewed here in Surrey talked about the convenience of home testing kits and the appeal of testing in their home and in their own time, without having to book an appointment or get undressed in front of strangers 

“I would feel quite comfortable doing that….Sometimes, it does come down to convenience, and if you’re told properly how to do it, then you can do it more.”  Surrey resident. 

How would you feel about self-testing cervical screening kits? What are your experiences of cervical screening? We’d love to hear from you.