YouScreen Cervical Screening

YouScreen is a research study that will involve 31,000 women in North and East London, they will be offered an opportunity to do a self-sample for cervical screening. London has the lowest uptake for cervical screening in England, women who do not regularly attend their cervical screening appointments are more likely to develop cervical cancer. The idea behind the YouScreen self-sampling kits is that it will make cervical screening easier and will encourage more women to book and attend appointments. 

YouScreen kits are being offered to women who are overdue their cerivcal screening appointment, they will be offered either by post or at a GP practice that is signed up to the service. Women living in the following boroughs, whose practices are taking part, may be invited:

  • Barnet
  • Camden
  • Islington
  • Newham
  • Tower Hamlets

What is a YouScreen home sample kit?
The kits allow women to take their own sample for cervical screening, using a vaginal swab (similar to a long cotton bud). It is easy to use and can be taken at a time and place that is perhaps more convenient than a doctors surgery. There is no need to have an appointment or examination beforehand, and most women find this process pain free and comfortable. The sample that is taken will be tested for human papillomavirus (HPV) at a lab.

Find out more about HPV  FAQ's  YouScreen Instructions

Women who take part will need to:

  • Follow the instructions in the YouScreen kit and in this video to take a self-sample 
  • Write the date the sample was taken on the sample tube
  • Fill in the laboratory consent form
  • Fill in the questionnaire included in the kit
  • Send sample (completed kit) to the laboratory in the freepost envelope
  • Send back the completed questionnaire 

If you need information in another language, please select from the relevant link below:

 

Dr Ammara Hughes from Bloomsbury Surgery spoke to BBC Radio London and BBC news about the introduction of at home HPV tests, and the positive impact this will have on detecting early stages of cervical cancer. 

Published: Feb 24, 2021