Researchers say menstrual blood testing could offer a simple, non-invasive alternative to cervical cancer screening. A sanitary pad fitted with a blood sample strip can detect human papillomavirus, which causes most cervical cancers. The test can be used at home and may help reach women who skip clinician-led screening.
A large study in China compared menstrual blood samples with clinician-collected cervical samples. Researchers studied more than 3,000 women between 2021 and 2025. Results, published in BMJ, showed similar accuracy for detecting serious cervical cell abnormalities. The pad-based test detected 94.7% of CIN2 cases, matching clinician samples closely.
Experts say the approach could improve access to screening. Cancer Research UK welcomed the findings but stressed more research is needed. Eve Appeal said offering different screening options could help save lives, though the method may not suit everyone.
