Will DIY smear tests save lives? As research indicates 80 per cent more women ... trends now
Using a 'DIY' test for cervical cancer could spare women embarrassment — and potentially save lives.
Rather than going to a clinic or their GP's surgery for a smear test, women would test themselves in the privacy of their own home.
They would then post their samples back to the lab to be examined for signs of the virus that causes the cancer.
According to new research, results based on samples taken at home were comparable to those taken by doctors.
Separately, another new study has found that self-sampling could nearly double the number of women being screened for cervical cancer.
Rather than going to a clinic or their GP's surgery for a smear test, women would test themselves in the privacy of their own home (stock image)
They would then post their samples back to the lab to be examined for signs of the virus that causes the cancer (stock image)
The report, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, based on data from around 400,000 women, showed that they are 80 per cent more likely to participate in screening if they can take their own sample.
There are around 2,700 new cases of cancer of the cervix (the neck of the womb) each year and almost 700 deaths. More than 95 per cent of cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Smear tests save an estimated 5,000 lives a year, by checking for HPV and for potentially dangerous changes the virus has made to cells of the cervix. These abnormalities could develop into cancer and treating them can prevent the disease.
During a standard smear test, a speculum (a plastic cylinder with a round end) is used to hold the walls of the
