Home testing kits that screen for cervical cancer risk could be a game-changer for reducing health inequalities for physically Disabled women, according to a new University of Sheffield study revealing that over 50% would prefer a self-test over a traditional clinic visit.
DIY test kits for human papillomavirus (HPV) - a group of viruses responsible for more than 90% cervical cancer cases - will be offered to women across the UK who have delayed or been unable to attend their traditional screenings.
Announced as part of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, the kits contain a vaginal swab similar to a long cotton-wool bud. The scheme is due to be rolled out later this year. Traditional screenings, commonly known as ‘smear tests,’ are generally conducted in person at GP clinics.
The new scheme aims to tackle barriers that discourage women from attending in-person screenings, such as discomfort, embarrassment and cultural sensitivities. While there are currently no plans to routinely offer them as an option for physically Disabled women, at-home kits will be offered to women who are under-screened or have never been screened.
Disabled women often face unique barriers to traditional cervical screening, such as challenges in getting to appointments, a lack of accessible clinic facilities, difficulties in getting into the required position for the test, and a lack of understanding from healthcare providers.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded study, which surveyed 1,493 UK-based women and people with a cervix with physical disabilities or impairments, found a broadly positive response to at-home testing:
63 per cent said they would be able to perform the test themselves.
Over half would choose a home-testing kit over an in-person screening if given the choice.
Sue Sherman, a Professor of Psychology from the University of Sheffield, said: “Physically Disabled women face significant barriers when it comes to accessing healthcare, and cervical screening is no different.
“Our study is the first of its kind to explore the attitudes of physically Disabled women and people with a cervix to self-testing as an alternative to clinician-led cervical screening.
“Our research indicates that many physically Disabled women - particularly those who have delayed, missed or never attended a screening - would find this option easier and preferable.
“Ultimately, introducing self-testing will move us closer to ensuring that everyone has access to potentially life-saving screening, regardless of their physical condition.”
Contributor to the study Alycia Hirani, who lives with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (colloquially known as ‘brittle bone disease’), said: “Disabled women deserve choice in healthcare. Expanding testing options and knowledge of alternatives like HPV screening can give so much more access, autonomy and can be life-saving to so many people.”
The study also found that over 70 per cent of the women surveyed had concerns about performing the test correctly. To help address this, researchers recommend
tailored instructions catering to different physical needs and improved training for clinicians to ensure equitable screening access for all.
Read the study in full in the Journal of Medical Screening .
Journal of Medical Screening
Survey
People
Acceptability of, and preference for, human papillomavirus self-sampling for physically Disabled women: A cross-sectional survey
12-Mar-2026