Sonic Healthcare UK is very proud to have been part of a trial which could encourage 400,000 more women each year to have HPV screening at home, and consequently reduce the number of deaths from cervical cancer.
The YouScreen study was originally launched across North London in February 2021. Its aim was to increase the number of women being screened, primarily those who had not responded to invitations to be tested as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.
Published this Summer, the results of the trial have largely proved encouraging.
Feedback from GP practices and trial participants was overwhelmingly positive, including reports of self-sampling enabling screening in those who have not historically engaged.
Self-sampling kits were mailed directly, or offered via their GP, to 27,000 women aged 25-60 who did not respond to invitations for routine screening from the NHS Screening Programme. Around 160 GP practices supported the trial. 13% returned self-sample kits when mailed directly to them, and 56% returned a kit when it was offered at their GP practice.
Consultant Biomedical Scientist, Hasit Patel, was a key member of the Sonic Healthcare UK’s team supporting the trial.
“We played an important role in the programme in terms of establishing the best type of sampling kits, and the testing methodology. The results are still being assessed by NHS England but it would be good to see the programme extended.”
SHUK’s Group Medical Director, Dr Rachael Liebmann added:
“We have successfully coordinated with NHS England and various charities to ensure that, thanks to these self-sampling kits, victims of sexual assault and FGM continue to have access to cervical screening services.”
NHS England is still working on the feasibility of rolling out the programme more widely.