PE2088, lodged by Emma Keyes, calls on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to help to eliminate cervical cancer in Scotland for women and those with a cervix by introducing at-home human papillomavirus self-sampling to enhance the smear testing programme, helping to increase the uptake and accessibility of smear testing.
We last considered the petition at our meeting on 12 June 2024, when we agreed to write to the UK National Screening Committee and the Scottish Government. The response from the NSC highlights evidence on the use of HPV self-sampling within the NHS cervical screening programme, which it reviewed in 2019. Back then, the NSC recognised the value of self-sampling, but it indicated that further work was required to ensure its feasibility in the existing screening programme. Such work is under way, and the NSC has pointed to a variety of projects in the area which, once completed, will inform future recommendations to ministers across the UK.
The Scottish Government’s response states that, beyond engagement with the NSC on self-sampling, it continues to explore alternatives to increase the uptake of the cervical screening programme, including the improved use of digital technology, as well as more personalised communications with eligible participants. In light of that, do members have any comments or suggestions for action?
