Cervical screening, my way: Women's attitudes and solutions to improve uptake of cervical screening (Healthwatch, 16 September 2024)

Summary

A poll of 2,444 women hesitant about cervical screening has shown that three-quarters, 73%, would use a home testing kit if it was available free on the NHS. 

Healthwatch commissioned the poll to provide solutions to address hesitancy about cervical screening in a drive to support NHS England’s ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.  

A self-testing kit, which detects human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that can lead to cervical cancer, helps women carry out cervical screening in the privacy and convenience of their own homes. HPV home kits are currently available to buy at pharmacies at costs of between £29 to £129 but they’re currently not available on the NHS.  

Content

Key findings

Women's views on self-testing kits 

• The research showed that when asked about the benefits of a self-testing kit, over half of respondents, 53%, chose "privacy", followed by "avoiding discomfort", 52%, and "easier to find time", 47%. 
• The findings also show that women's concerns about the accuracy of home testing would have to be addressed if it was rolled out.  

What else would encourage women to take up cervical screening? 

Women were also asked to choose out of 11 factors that would encourage them to take up cervical screening in the future. The most important for them were:

• Sensitivity from healthcare staff about worries women might have about the examination and previous experiences, 62%;  
•  A healthcare professional carrying out the screening being the same gender, 61%;  
• Ease of travelling to the screening appointment location, 53%; and  
• A wider choice of appointment times, for instance, in the morning or over weekends, 52%.