Urine test to end the "smear of fear"

Research suggests that women who are too anxious or too embarrassed to be tested by smear may provide a urine sample for screening for cervical cancer.

One test showed that urine tests were also effective at detecting a virus called HPV, a major risk factor for cancer.

Larger trials are still needed, but experts said the self-test could change the game for women

The number of smearers is lower than ever in the UK.

According to NHS figures, the attendance rate has now fallen to 71%, which means that several million women in England have not been smeared for at least three and a half years.

Pap tests can prevent 75% of cancers of the cervix of the uterus. They are important, even if they are not pleasant.

A smear can detect early abnormal cell changes before cancer develops.

The NHS invites women aged 25 to 64 to participate in a smear.

Celebrities and activists have tried to encourage more women to attend the conference, but scientists are also exploring other ways to track this condition to improve screening participation.

• Michelle Keegan vlogs about her cervical cancer screening
• Cervical screening: millions of missing smears

Some pilot studies are already asking women to do the self-test at home with a vaginal swab.

Researchers at the University of Manchester now believe that urine testing is another option.

They asked 104 women attending a colposcopy clinic to try the urine test, which has proven to be as effective as conventional smears for the detection of high-risk HPV, reports BMJ Open.

Dr. Emma Crosbie, Senior Researcher, said, "We are very excited about this study, which we believe could significantly increase participation rates in cervical cancer screening.

"Campaigns to encourage women to participate in cervical cancer screening have been helpful." The brilliant Jade Goody campaign has increased the number of entries by about 400,000 women.

"But unfortunately, the effects are not sustainable and participation rates tend to decline after a while.We clearly need a more sustainable solution."

She added that larger tests of the urine test were still needed before she could recommend it to the NHS.

Athena Lamnisos, of Eve Appeal, said: "It is important to find ways of screening to avoid the use of a physical test and the use of a speculum.

"For women living with the impact of FGM [female genital mutilation] or those who have been sexually abused or live with conditions such as vaginismus, non-invasive screening may be a game-changer for screening.

"This research may seem like a promising first step, but it is in the process of being done through the NHS.

"Meanwhile, women must continue to make their screening appointment as soon as they are called – it's a test that saves lives."