Cervical Screening and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Many women will have had smear tests in the past which involves a nurse or doctor collecting cells from the cervix (neck of the womb) with a soft brush. Since 2019, a new test has been introduced which detects a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). This is better because nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
HPV is very common and most people will get the virus at some point in their life. In most cases, the immune system can get rid of the virus without them ever knowing they had it. But sometimes, HPV can cause cells in the cervix to become abnormal and in some cases the abnormal cells can go on to develop into cancer.
HPV is spread through close skin to skin contact during any type of sexual activity. It can stay in the body forever without causing any symptoms. This means that women of all ages, even if they are no longer sexually active, can still have an HPV infection.
Most women who are found to have HPV will not go on to develop cervical cancer because their HPV infection disappears without any problems. However, women whose HPV infection does not clear may be at higher risk of developing cancer in the future and can undergo further tests to reduce this risk.
What the study involves
The NHS offers cervical screening to women aged 25-64 years. Women who have an HPV test before they stop screening are at a very low risk of developing cervical cancer.
Women invited to take part in Catch-up Screen will be offered a catch-up HPV test which involves taking a urine sample by themselves at home. This new urine test has been shown to be as good as a traditional “smear” test taken by a nurse so there is no need to visit a GP surgery. The urine kit will be sent to selected women by post, with pre-paid return packaging included so that the urine sample can be posted directly to the laboratory for testing afterwards.
Selected women will receive a pre-invitation letter and information leaflet from their GP practice before their urine kit is sent to them by the post. GP practices will provide details of a local researcher to contact for further information and discussion about the project. Once the urine kit is sent out, the local researcher will either telephone or text invited women to again provide an opportunity to discuss the research and answer any questions women may have.
The results of the urine test will be posted to participating women within about 3 weeks and women who are found to have HPV will be invited to either have a repeat urine test after 6 months or see a gynaecologist or specially trained nurse for further tests.
How and when to take the urine sample
Ideally, the urine sample should be taken first thing in the morning before washing.
It is important not to urinate or bathe, shower or wash the genital area for at least 1 hour before taking the urine sample.
It is important that the urine sample is collected correctly so that the results are accurate. Invited women will receive a urine device called a “colli-pee” which allows them to collect the first part of their urine. The colli-pee device will allow the tube to be filled correctly and the excess urine will then flow into the toilet. It allows women to urinate without stopping the stream. The following video demonstrates how the colli-pee works:
It is important to read the instructions supplied with the urine kit carefully before taking the urine sample. If possible, women should post the urine sample back to the laboratory (using the FREEPOST returns box supplied) on the same day.
