A recent study led by experts from the University of Manchester suggests that introducing a UK-wide sampling program alongside the existing cervical smear test could help remove the barriers that prevent people from attending cervical screening
The research focuses on tackling health inequities; this shows how other methods, like self-sampling, could improve screening uptake and help protect more women from cervical cancer.
Protecting women from cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is still a big concern in the UK, with over 3,000 new cases reported annually.
The rate of cervical screening coverage has, however, fallen in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although the incidence of cervical cancer has decreased since the 1990s, the decline in screening participation has led to worries that many women may not be receiving the early detection they need to prevent cancer.
Attending screening appointments
The traditional smear test, which involves using a speculum to collect a sample from the cervix, has been the primary method for screening for many years.
Although this has been effective, those procedures can cause discomfort and anxiety for a lot of people, which makes them reluctant to attend their screening appointments.
This is particularly obvious in women in underserved groups, including those from ethnic minorities or people with mental health challenges, who often report negative experiences with healthcare professionals during screening.
To help address this struggle, researchers at the University of Manchester explored alternative self-sampling methods, such as vaginal swabs or urine samples, which could be done at home.
Their findings suggest that these alternatives could provide a more accessible, less invasive, and less stressful option for individuals who find the current smear test uncomfortable. Self-sampling methods offer participants more control and autonomy over the screening process, and many see the option of testing at home as a convenient and practical alternative to visiting a healthcare facility.
Offering self-sample options to encourage women to get screenings
The study participants addressed their preference for the self-sampling options, suggesting that they could avoid the discomfort and distress associated with the speculum.
A lot of the participants felt that being able to perform the test in private would encourage more people to take part in cervical screening, especially those who may feel anxious or embarrassed about attending a formal screening appointment.
The research shows that self-sampling could be important in addressing health disparities, particularly for people facing additional healthcare access barriers. By offering a choice between traditional smear tests and self-sampling methods, individuals could select the method that feels most comfortable and accessible to them. This flexibility increases participation in cervical screening and ensures that fewer people miss out on early detection opportunities.
Stephanie Gillibrand, Caroline Sanders, Emma Crosbie and Jennifer Davies argue that “It is vital that screening is made as accessible as possible, to ensure the greatest burden of disease does not fall on individuals and communities who already face additional barriers to accessing healthcare. A national rollout of self-sampling methods would help fulfil the promise of successive governments, and aid in addressing health inequities for under-served groups.”
The study’s authors stress the importance of making cervical screening accessible to ensure the best possible health outcomes. They argue that a national rollout of self-sampling methods could contribute to the ongoing effort to eliminate cervical cancer, helping to reach underserved populations and ultimately reducing the burden of the disease across the UK.
