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Researchers have suggested that testing menstrual blood for signs of cervical cancer could serve as an accurate and convenient screening method. Traditionally, the NHS cervical screening test requires a healthcare professional to collect cells from the cervix, but about a third of women invited for this screening do not attend. The new method involves collecting blood through a cotton strip attached to a standard sanitary pad, enabling testing to be done at home.
Currently, cervical screening in the UK is offered every five years to individuals with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64. The screening checks for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types known to cause cervical cancer. The standard procedure involves a speculum being inserted vaginally so that a sample can be taken from the cervix by a nurse or doctor. Despite the availability of the test, research indicates that around five million women are overdue for their screening, often due to fears, discomfort, or other barriers such as past trauma, disabilities, or cultural factors. Athena Lamnisos from The Eve Appeal highlights these challenges, noting that “cervical screening can be difficult for some women for many reasons,” including previous bad experiences and physical disabilities.
The study, conducted by Chinese researchers and published in The BMJ, involved over 3,000 women aged 20 to 54. It compared the effectiveness of HPV testing using menstrual blood collected on mini-pads with samples gathered by professionals. Results were communicated through a bespoke app. Findings showed that testing menstrual blood was nearly as effective at detecting the disease as clinician-collected samples and was highly accurate in identifying those without the disease. The researchers emphasized that this method respects privacy and reduces discomfort, describing it as “convenient” and “a robust alternative” to existing testing techniques.
While promising, experts caution that period blood testing is not yet a replacement for current cervical screening, as it is only applicable to women who menstruate. Some experts also raise concerns about the study’s accuracy, since not all participants underwent biopsy confirmation to verify results. Cancer Research UK’s Sophie Brooks described the research as “encouraging,” highlighting the potential for improved accessibility but stressing the need for further studies in diverse populations to understand how this approach might fit into established screening programmes. Athena Lamnisos called the development “exciting,” underlining the importance of offering varied testing options to overcome different barriers faced by those eligible for cervical screening but who do not currently participate
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