The NHS has begun rolling out free HPV home testing kits to Wolverhampton residents as part of a national effort to increase cervical screening rates. The self-testing scheme targets women aged 30 to 65 who have not attended cervical screening following previous invitations.
Eligible women will receive an invitation via the NHS App, text message, email or letter. They can then order a free self-testing kit online. The kit contains a swab to collect a sample, which is posted back to the NHS at no cost. If high-risk HPV is detected, individuals will be invited to book a follow-up cervical screening appointment at their GP surgery or sexual health clinic.
Why the scheme matters
Data shows around a third of women are not up to date with their cervical screening. According to Wolverhampton City Council, two women die every day from cervical cancer in England, despite it being one of the most preventable cancers.
Cervical screening checks for high-risk types of HPV, a common virus that can cause changes to cells in the cervix. These changes can usually be treated before cancer develops.
Women aged 24 to 64 are normally invited for cervical screening by the NHS every five years, or more frequently if HPV is detected.
Local improvements to screening access
Wolverhampton City Council and health partners launched an enhanced cervical screening service earlier this year, giving patients greater access to appointments including evenings and weekends. The service also includes targeted outreach to people who have not booked or have missed appointments.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community at the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "Together, we hope these initiatives will help increase awareness, improve access, and support more people to take up their offer of cervical cancer screening when it is due."
For more information about cervical screening, visit the NHS cervical screening page.
