New study says self-test could prevent up to 1,000 cervical cancer cases a year
Approximately one -third of women is delayed for their appointments for scanning life -saving cervical cancer scanning because of shame, discomfort or not having enough time to participate.
However, in a study conducted by Queen Mary University of London with King’s College London, providing self -test to women at home can prevent up to 1000 cervical cancer every year.
In the UK, more than 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year. It is estimated that the number would be 5,000 higher without cervical screening.
The number of women participating in the cervical screening decreased and only 66 percent of those suitable for screening in 2024 were up to date.
Tests for a virus called human papillomavirusu (HPV), which may cause changes in the cervix and cause cervical cancer in some cases.
Professor Peter Saseni, Professor of the University of London, said, “Cervical cancer is the most preventive cancer. Women born before 1990 will not benefit from HPV vaccination. However, if they regularly scanned, they can reduce their risks to 80 to 90 percent.
In the study published in the journal EclinicredinResearchers received 13 GP applications in Western London to find out the benefits of providing women to home.
These applications were divided into two groups, and each group had about 6,000 women delayed for scanning.
A group of GP application, which was personally made kit, presented to women who were delayed at least six months for cervical screening, and was not the other group. For the first group, when women joined the GP applications for any reason, their doctors or nurses were encouraged to offer them a sampling kit.
In the study, 15 months old people were randomized every month. Half of them did not receive a special communication, one -quarter of one -quarter was sent a self -sampling kit, and a letter that offers a kit was sent.
He presented a Kit for an opportunistic GP appointment from 449 women, accepted and returned an example of 234 (52 percent).
However, after a postal offer, the purchase of self -sampling was lower: 12 percent of the senders of a SEE and a 5 percent kit for women.
Researchers estimate that if this approach is adopted in NHS, 1,000 cervical cancer cases can be prevented.
For HPV, home test kits will soon be presented to delayed people for cervical cancer screening in the UK, and the cervix will offer women from the option to stay up -to -date with cervical screening without the need for internal examination.
In King’s College London’s work, the chief epidemiologist Dr Anita Lim said, “These findings are directly related to their efforts to modernize cervical scanning in the UK.
“This study strengthens the option of many women – especially when presented personally by a reliable healthcare specialist. A simple change like this may have a great impact on preventing cervical cancer.”
There are about 100 types of HPV and only 30 can affect the genital area. Many people may arise years after an infection, as they can never symptom, and most of the cases go without treatment.
According to Cancer Research UK, vaccination against HPV is almost 90 percent of the cervical cancer in women aged 12 to 13 years old at their twenties. However, the best way to prevent cervical cancer in those who cannot be overcome is to reduce the risk by scanning 80 percent.
Fiona Osgu, Head of Health Information in Cancer Research UK, said, “Almost one -third of the United Kingdom said that almost one -third of us have delayed our appointments – caused by discomfort, shame, or fighting for time.
“Therefore, last month, we welcomed the decision to present cervical home scanning kits in the UK for people who did not receive their invitations. This study shows that presenting these kits during GP appointments can be a part of an effective approach to make scanning more accessible and to remove obstacles.
“It is important to remember that cervical scan is for people without symptoms, so if you notice any unusual changes to you, don’t expect a scanning invitation – talk to your doctor.”
