Cervical cancer tests will be sent to women’s homes under NHS plans, with kits posted to those who have ignored or missed their smear test invitation and are therefore “underscreened”.Cervical cancer tests will be sent to women’s homes under NHS plans, with kits posted to those who have ignored or missed their smear test invitation and are therefore “underscreened”.Cervical cancer tests will be sent to women’s homes under NHS plans, with kits posted to those who have ignored or missed their smear test invitation and are therefore “underscreened”.

At-home smear tests are being sent to women in a NHS drive to slash cervical cancer cases. Cervical cancer tests will be sent to women’s homes under NHS plans, with kits posted to those who have ignored or missed their smear test invitation and are therefore “underscreened”.

The NHS offers it to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. But worryingly, more than five million women in England are not up to date with their routine check-up. The self-sample kits will be offered to women who have rarely or never attended their cervical screening.

It will then be sent out in “discreet packaging” that can be returned via prepaid mail. Labour Party Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “These self-sampling kits represent healthcare that works around people’s lives, not the other way around.

READ MORE State pensioners born in certain years set for £715 boost from DWP

“They put women firmly in control of their own health, ensuring we catch more cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages.

“Our 10-year health plan will fundamentally reform the NHS, shifting focus from treating illness to preventing it before it starts.

“We know the earlier cancer is diagnosed the better the chances are of survival. By making screening more convenient, we’re tackling the barriers that keep millions of women from potentially life-saving tests.”

NHS guidance says “all women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening” and “must not ignore” your invite when you receive it and book an appointment as soon as possible.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “Screening is a powerful tool to prevent cervical cancer and save lives, but we know it isn’t always easy for everyone to take part.

“For some, the test may seem uncomfortable, embarrassing, or simply hard to fit into their lives.

“That’s why we welcome the UK government’s decision to roll out cervical cancer home screening kits in England – to help remove barriers and make cervical screening more accessible.”

One woman diagnosed in 2015 said: “I’ve been cancer-free for years now, but I still live with the aftermath of my diagnosis.

“I hope that one day we live in a world where cervical cancer is eliminated. With advances in vaccines and screening, I believe that day is getting ever closer.

“For many, though, there are barriers to attending screening. Our everyday lives are busy juggling jobs, family life, and more, which can make attending appointments difficult. But feelings of embarrassment, fear, or unease can also prevent people from going.

“Making it easier for people to access screening they can do at home removes some of those barriers and will, I’m sure, save lives.”