Researchers say a menstrual blood test could provide a simple alternative to cervical screening. A sanitary pad fitted with a sample strip can detect human papillomavirus, which causes most cervical cancers. Women could use the test at home instead of visiting a clinic.
Scientists in China compared pad-collected menstrual blood with clinician-collected cervical samples. The study involved 3,068 women aged 20 to 54 with regular menstrual cycles. Results, published in BMJ, showed the pad test detected serious cervical cell changes with 94.7% sensitivity. This matched the accuracy of clinician-collected samples.
Researchers said the method offers a non-invasive and standardised screening option. Cancer Research UK called the findings encouraging but said larger trials are needed. Eve Appeal welcomed the approach, noting that choice could help more people attend screening. Experts stressed the test may not suit everyone, including menopausal women.
