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.

Cervical cancer charities say finding new and potentially gentler ways of testing for the disease is encouraging and could improve access, although it is still early days for this research.

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.

Testing period blood would be an even less invasive option, say the Chinese researchers behind the new study in the journal The BMJ, external, adding it could be "a robust alternative" to current methods.

Five million women are not up to date with the test, research shows, and there are many reasons why - including fear, pain and discomfort.

"Cervical screening can be difficult for some women for many reasons, like if they have had a bad previous experience, they are menopausal, they have a physical or learning disability, cultural barriers, or are a survivor of sexual violence," says Athena Lamnisos from charity The Eve Appeal.

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Source: BBC News, 5 February 2026

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