A new DIY smear test that can reduce the number of women visiting their GPs for a cervical cancer screening has been developed and is now available online.
The test works by inserting a special tampon and the results are posted to a lab for analysis, where they are then uploaded on to a secure online patient record on the DrThom website.
The one-hour test can also be used by women under the age of 25, who are not eligible for free NHS screening but want to check for early signs of cancer.
This home smear testing helps women who feel embarrassed about seeing a doctor or are too busy to make an appointment, according to marieclaire.co.uk.
Home smear testing could double the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer, a study published in the British Medical Journal says.
