RCGP responds to new HPV home-testing kits

The College responds to NHS England’s launch of HPV self-testing kits for women who have missed cervical screening.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said:  

“Cervical screening can save lives, but we know that for various reasons some eligible people do not take up their invitation for screening, so giving them another option could make access to screening easier and more convenient. It could help reach those who might otherwise not come forward, and increase the number of eligible people who do, which would be welcome. 

"It's important that people understand what the test can and cannot tell them. HPV self-testing checks for high-risk HPV and anyone who receives a positive result will still need appropriate follow-up, including cervical screening, either at their GP practice or another appropriate service.  

"GPs and our teams have an important role to play in encouraging eligible patients to take up their invitations for cervical screening, and prevention more widely, and it's a responsibility we take seriously. As this new service is rolled out, it’s important it is consistently evaluated in terms of its impact on screening uptake and inequalities, and that people who need further investigation are followed up effectively. Practices and other services involved in follow-up must also have the time and resources they need to support patients appropriately." 

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659

press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.