Prime Highlights:
- Researchers say testing menstrual blood could provide a less invasive and convenient way to screen for cervical cancer.
- The study shows that this method is almost as effective as traditional cervical screening at detecting the disease.
Key Facts:
- About one in three women in the UK skip cervical screening due to fear, pain, or past negative experiences.
- The research included over 3,000 women aged 20-54 and used menstrual blood collected on a cotton strip attached to a sanitary pad.
Background:
Researchers say testing menstrual blood could provide a less invasive and convenient alternative to traditional cervical cancer screening, offering hope for women who avoid current tests.
In the UK, the NHS invites women aged 25 to 64 for cervical screening every five years. The test takes cells from the cervix using a speculum, which some women find uncomfortable. About one in three women skip the test because of fear, pain, or past bad experiences.
A new study looked at a different approach, using menstrual blood collected on a cotton strip in a sanitary pad. The study, published in the BMJ, included over 3,000 women aged 20-54 and compared them with the regular clinic test. Women got their results through a special app.
The study found that testing menstrual blood was almost as effective at detecting cervical cancer as the traditional test and very good at identifying women who did not have the disease. Researchers described the approach as “convenient” and respectful of women’s privacy, while also reducing discomfort associated with conventional screening.
Experts highlight that while period blood testing cannot immediately replace standard screening, as it is only applicable to menstruating women, it represents a promising addition to cervical cancer prevention strategies. Those who test positive for HPV would still be referred for a colposcopy for a more detailed examination of the cervix.
Cervical cancer charities have welcomed the development. Athena Lamnisos from The Eve Appeal said that having different screening options could help women who currently skip their tests. Sophie Brooks from Cancer Research UK described the method as non-invasive and said more research is needed in different groups of people.
Since cervical cancer can often be prevented if found early, new methods like this could encourage more women to take part in screening, make the process easier, and save lives. Researchers hope that, in the future, testing menstrual blood at home could become a common option alongside NHS screening.
