5 Minutes that Matter
Our campaign seeks to raise awareness of the importance of attending routine cervical screenings, and support more women to make an informed decision about whether or not to take up their invitations.
Campaign Update – Spring 2025
The UK National Screening Committee has published a public consultation to determine the public’s thoughts on introducing HPV home testing kits freely on the NHS for eligible under-screened people.
The NFWI will be responding to the consultation as part of the WI’s 5 Minutes that Matter campaign to inform the National Screening Committee that the WI supports the introduction of HPV home testing kits.
As part of our response, we want to hear from WI Members and your experiences of HPV testing/cervical screening/smear tests so that we can collate your responses to send to NHS England.
This consultation applies to members in England and Wales.
You can find the consultation details here.
You can be part of the NFWI collective response to the consultation by filling in our survey here. The survey will close on Friday 14th February 2024 and responses will remain anonymous.
On Tuesday 11th February, 7pm-8pm the NFWI will be hosting an online focus group for members to share their thoughts on introducing HPV home testing kits freely on the NHS. You can sign up to join the event here.
If you have any questions please get in touch with us pa@nfwi.org.uk.
Background
Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix. While it’s not a test for cancer, regular cervical screening (also referred to as a ‘smear test’) is the best way for abnormal cells to be picked up early and treated (if necessary) to prevent cancer from developing.
It is estimated that the test currently prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths. However, this figure could be 83% if all eligible women attended. Cervical screening is a choice, and attendance is currently at a 21-year low.
Launched in 2019, our 5 Minutes that Matters campaign seeks to raise awareness of the importance of attending routine cervical screenings and support more women to make an informed decision about whether or not to take up their invitations.
Current situation in Wales
In terms of HPV self-sampling, the Welsh Government has been awaiting the outcome of the pilot projects in England and has stated that it would support the introduction of self-sampling if the process was validated. Self-sampling will only be implemented in Wales if the UK National Screening Committee recommends it.
What we have achieved so far
WI members have been raising awareness of the importance of this issue and challenging myths surrounding cervical screening and cervical cancer, including by taking part in national awareness weeks and organising local events. Members have shared personal accounts of cervical screening to improve understanding and support others who may be going through similar experiences.
Between August and October 2020, we carried out a survey to understand attitudes towards cervical screening and sampling methods in England and Wales. All women and people with a cervix aged 25 and over were invited to take part.
The research showed strong support for HPV-self-sampling, which is currently being trialled in England. It found that among those eligible for screening in the 25-64 age group, 67 per cent would like the option of home HPV tests, saying that a self-sampling kit would be more convenient.
Other figures showed that:
- 50 per cent said that a self-sampling kit would be less embarrassing
- 42 per cent said they would prefer to take a test at home
- 38 per cent said it would be less uncomfortable or painful
- 34 per cent said they would feel more in control
Download our research briefings:
- WI research on attitudes towards HPV self-sampling
- WI research on attitudes towards strategies that can improve uptake of cervical screening
- WI research on public awareness of the basic science behind cervical cancer
- WI research on the barriers to cervical screening and increasing uptake
How you can get involved
- Check out our campaign action pack to learn more about the issue and find out about other ways to participate. Download it here.
- Share our leaflet on HPV and cervical screening to raise awareness of HPV and how it is passed on, and to help people understand their screening results.
- Read and share our myth-busting flyer. Click here.
If you are not already a WI member, the members decide the WI campaigns through a democratic vote. We would love to welcome a new WI member, please click here for further details.
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