Every GP practice in London is now offering women a self-swab test for cervical screening, in response to low screening rates across the capital.
The NHS in London says it hopes the option will "help remove barriers such as discomfort, embarrassment, previous trauma and cultural concerns that may prevent some women from attending".
Cervical self-screening, also known as HPV self-testing, allows women to collect their own sample in private, without an internal examination by a clinician.
Practice nurse Em J said the option removed a barrier that had previously kept her from taking part. "I have PTSD. Although I trained as a smear taker and mentor, I still find smears unbearable," she said. "I think the self-swabbing is amazing for women like me who struggle to engage with screening for whatever reason. I want to shout it from the rooftops. This is essential healthcare made accessible."
The London GP offer sits alongside the national HPV self-testing rollout, through which eligible people are invited via the NHS App. Since the programme launched in October 2025, more than 3,600 women across London have chosen to self-screen.
Women in London who are six months or more overdue for cervical screening may be eligible for the self-swab option, and can speak to their GP practice to find out more. Others may be invited to use an HPV self-test through the NHS App as part of the national rollout.
If you are invited by both the NHS App and your GP practice, you only need to complete the test once. Results are recorded centrally and shared with GP practices. Anyone unsure which options apply to them is encouraged to contact their GP practice.
