By Leo Stevens
Women who are too embarrassed or busy to attend smear tests could use home kits to detect early signs of cervical cancer, a study has indicated.
Scientists discovered that posting a self-sample test to women who had not responded to two previous smear test reminder letters was more effective than sending another letter reminding them that they were due for an examination.
They sent human papillomavirus (HPV) detection kits to 1,500 study participants and written notifications to another 1,500. Of those who were sent a home-testing kit, 96 women (6.4%) responded, with eight testing positive for HPV and one woman found to have an invasive cancer. A further 57 (3.8%) were prompted to book a smear appointment with their GP.
In contrast, only 68 (4.5%) of those women who were sent a third reminder letter went for cervical screening.
Aside from the obvious health benefits of going for a regular smear test, those women who do have frequent check-ups could benefit from cheaper life insurance premiums as companies could reward their vigilant attitude towards their health and wellbeing.
Study author Dr Anne Szarewski said: "Women who don't go for cervical screening face a higher risk of cervical cancer, so it's important to encourage these women to take part.
"Home testing for HPV is as accurate as samples taken by doctors and can help address some of the reasons, like finding time or being embarrassed, that women often give as reasons for not attending screening."
