05/10/2026
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
However, for those women and people with a cervix, who have not attended cervical screening following previous invitations, the NHS is offering HPV self-testing as an alternative check for a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).
If you are eligible, the NHS will invite you to take part in HPV self-testing. Your invite could come through the NHS App, in a text message, an email or a letter. Once you’ve been invited, it’s easy to order your free kit in the NHS App or through your NHS online account or via the order telephone line.
HPV self-testing is different from cervical screening. You can do it yourself, in private.
You can still book a cervical screening appointment any time – even if you were invited for cervical screening months or years ago.
