DIY cervical checks to be offered from next year
The self-checks will allow those who do not attend appointments the option to do their own tests at home, ordering kit on the app.
Before then, the NHS will extend a 'ping and book' service so women can book appointments for screening on smartphones, from this summer.
The plan published on Friday is part of efforts to fulfil a pledge to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, much of which rests on the rollout of HPV vaccination to teenagers.
Currently, women aged between 25 and 49 are offered cervical screening every three years, with five-year gaps for those aged between 50 and 64.
The checks which test for HPV have replaced standard smears.
Now, health officials are gearing up for the rollout of HPV self-sampling for those who do not participate in the cervical screening programme in early 2026 if the recommendation is made by Government advisors.
Amanda Pritchard, the NHS chief executive, said it was a 'momentous and world-leading ambition for the NHS'.
'We know busy life can get in the way, which is why the NHS is making it even easier to come forward – starting with extending our 'ping and book' service to cervical cancer, with more and more women to receive invites on their phone via the NHS app later this year.'
'We are also really excited about the potential to revolutionise access to screening through self-testing, and this major plan sets out how the NHS stands ready to roll out DIY swab kits for thousands of women, subject to approval by the UK National Screening Committee.'
Ms Pritchard said the tests could enable women to take part in screening at home, by simply ordering a kit via the NHS app, or through their GP or pharmacy.
Health officials said vaccinations would also be offered in more settings, including in pharmacies.
She said: 'Together we can make this life-saving ambition a reality and save many more women the pain and trauma of cancer, and I'm delighted in my final week as chief executive to see the NHS set a clear path to making cervical cancer a disease of the past.'
Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of the Eve Appeal charity said: 'We welcome the publication of a national cervical cancer elimination plan.
'We were delighted when an ambitious but achievable target for elimination was set for England, but as we know, a target is just a number if it doesn't have a plan behind it.
'Achieving cervical elimination does not mean 'fixing' one thing – it needs several different strategies and evidence-based approaches across HPV vaccination, improving screening uptake and ensure those with a positive HPV result move into treatment swiftly.'
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