A groundbreaking study has revealed that testing menstrual blood for human papillomavirus (HPV) could serve as a viable alternative to traditional cervical screening methods. This research, conducted in China, indicates that using a specially designed sanitary pad to collect menstrual blood samples can effectively identify the virus responsible for 99.7 per cent of cervical cancer cases.
Exploring New Avenues for Cervical Screening
Current cervical screening practices typically involve a medical professional collecting samples using a small brush inserted into the vagina. While some women have access to home testing kits, these are not universally distributed across the UK, leaving many without the option to test for HPV in a more private setting. Factors such as anxiety about pain, concerns over privacy, and a lack of awareness contribute to the reluctance of women to attend screening appointments.
Sophie Brooks, Health Information Manager at Cancer Research UK, expressed optimism about this innovative approach. “It’s encouraging to see research exploring new ways to make cervical screening more accessible. Testing menstrual blood for HPV is an interesting, non-invasive approach, and could potentially offer another option in the future,” she stated.
Study Design and Findings
Published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the study involved a comprehensive analysis of menstrual blood samples from 3,068 women in a Chinese community, aged between 20 and 54 years, who had regular menstrual cycles. Conducted between 2021 and 2025, the participants provided three different types of samples: a menstrual blood sample collected via a sanitary pad, a cervical sample taken by a clinician, and an additional sample collected for laboratory processing.
The researchers evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the menstrual blood test compared to traditional methods. The results were promising; the pad collected menstrual blood samples demonstrated a sensitivity of 94.7 per cent for detecting cervical cell abnormalities (CIN2), surpassing the sensitivity of clinician-collected samples at 92.1 per cent. Although the specificity was slightly lower for the pad samples, both methods exhibited similar reliability in identifying negative results.
To enhance accessibility, participants could use the WeChat mobile app to receive their test results and health advice from providers, illustrating a modern approach to patient engagement.
Implications for Future Screening Practices
The authors of the study advocate for the integration of menstrual blood-based HPV testing into national cervical cancer screening guidelines, underscoring its potential as a standardised, non-invasive alternative. However, it is crucial to note that these findings are observational and do not definitively establish cause and effect.
Currently, there are approximately 3,300 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed annually in the UK. Encouragingly, cervical cancer rates have decreased by 25 per cent since the early 1990s, primarily due to effective screening programmes and the introduction of the HPV vaccine, which has led to a 90 per cent reduction in cases.
Athena Lamnisos, Chief Executive of the Eve Appeal, welcomed the study’s findings, recognising the challenges many women face with existing screening procedures. “Existing cervical screening can be difficult for some women for many reasons, such as previous negative experiences, being menopausal, or facing cultural barriers. While the ability to test for HPV in menstrual blood may not suit everyone, offering diverse options could significantly benefit those who are eligible for screening but currently do not participate.”
Why it Matters
The introduction of menstrual blood testing for HPV could reshape the future of cervical cancer screening, making it more accessible and acceptable for women who find traditional methods daunting. By providing alternatives, healthcare providers can cater to a wider range of needs, ultimately reducing the incidence of cervical cancer and saving lives. This innovative approach not only has the potential to enhance screening participation rates but also fosters a more inclusive healthcare environment for women.
