HPV Self-Sampling now offered by every GP practice in north east London

Every GP practice in north east London is now offering women a simple self-swab test for cervical screening, giving thousands more women the opportunity to take part in screening in a way that works for them.  

The rollout, now complete across all 1,100 practices in the capital, comes as London works to tackle low screening rates. There are lots of reasons why some women may find cervical screening difficult, uncomfortable or distressing. The NHS in London hopes this new option will help remove barriers such as discomfort, embarrassment, previous trauma and cultural concerns that may prevent some women from attending. 

Cervical self-screening, also known as HPV self-testing, allows women to collect their own sample in private, without needing to carry out an internal examination by a clinician. Research has shown that 98% of women rated their self-screening experience as good or excellent, with results comparable to samples taken by a healthcare professional. 

For practice nurse Em J, the self-swab option removed a barrier that had previously prevented her from taking part in screening. 

She said: “I have PTSD. Although I trained as a smear taker and mentor, I still find smears unbearable. I think the self-swabbing is amazing for women like me who struggle to engage with screening for whatever reason. I want to shout it from the rooftops. This is essential healthcare made accessible.” 

London’s GP-based offer sits alongside the national HPV self-testing rollout where eligible individuals are invited through the NHS App, to participate. Together, the two options give eligible women more ways to access screening. Women only need to complete the test once when invited by either their GP practice or the NHS App. 

Since the programme launched in October 2025, more than 3,600 women across London have already chosen to self-screen.  

Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director of Public Health for NHS London, said: “London is committed to eliminating cervical cancer by 2040. Providing cervical self-screening in general practices is a uniquely London solution, based on research done in London, designed by the NHS in London for the women of London.

“Making it easier for women will increase uptake and ensure that London is not left behind in the race towards elimination. Our offer works alongside the national rollout of HPV self-testing, giving Londoners even more choice in how they access screening.” 

Women in London who are six months or more overdue for cervical screening may be eligible for the self-swab option and can speak to their GP practice to find out more. Some women may be invited to use an HPV self-test through the NHS App as part of the national rollout. If you are invited by both the NHS App and your GP practice, you only need to complete the test once. Test results are recorded centrally and shared with GP practices. 

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to prevent cervical cancer. Women in London who are eligible are encouraged to contact their GP practice to find out about the screening options available to them, including self-screening where appropriate. 

NHS London’s HPV self-screening programme forms part of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan for England, which sets out how the NHS will improve equitable uptake and coverage of HPV vaccination and cervical screening, moving towards eliminating cervical cancer by 2040. 

If you are healthcare professional, find out more information about HPV Self-Sampling in north east London on our webpage: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/hpv-self-sampling-information-healthcare-professionals 

More on cervical screening and HPV

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. However, for those women and people with a cervix, who have not attended cervical screening following previous invitations, the NHS is offering HPV self-testing as an alternative check for a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a common virus and is usually harmless, but some high-risk types can increase your chance of developing cervical cancer.

If you are eligible, the NHS may invite you to take part in HPV self-testing. Your invite could come through the NHS App, in a text message (SMS), an email, letter or via your GP. Once you’ve been invited, it’s easy to order your free kit in the NHS App or through your NHS online account or via the order telephone line.

HPV self-testing is different from cervical screening. You can do it yourself, in private. The test involves inserting a swab (a bit like a cotton bud) a few centimetres into your vagina to collect a sample. You then post the sample back to the NHS for free, where it is checked for high-risk HPV.

If high-risk HPV is found, it does not mean you have cervical cancer. You’ll be asked to book a cervical screening appointment at your GP surgery or sexual health clinic where a nurse or doctor will take a small sample from your cervix. This will be checked for cell changes that could increase the risk of cervical cancer. These changes can be treated.

If you haven’t yet been screened, self-testing is the next best option. You can still book a cervical screening appointment any time – even if you were invited for cervical screening months or years ago.

Read more about cervical screening: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/cervical-screening