I tried the new DIY smear test - it was so simple, I did mine in the office loo during my morning coffee break... says MailOnline Health Editor EVE SIMMONS

I tried the new DIY smear test - it was so simple, I did mine in the office loo during my morning coffee break...

says MailOnline Health Editor EVE SIMMONS READ MORE: Groundbreaking DIY smear tests set to be rolled out on the NHS By Eve Simmons Health Editor For Mailonline Published: 06:35 EDT, 17 July 2024 | Updated: 06:35 EDT, 17 July 2024 e-mail View comments DIY home smear tests could soon be sent out to millions of women every year in a bid to boost cervical cancer screening uptake and save lives. Having tried it myself — I was one of 27,000 British women who used it as part of a trial which has just been published — I think it's a brilliant idea. It could not have been quicker or simpler.

In fact, I did mine in around two minutes, in the office loo, during my morning coffee break. And like the experts running the trial, I am convinced if all women had the option, it would increase numbers taking these tests — something that's absolutely needed. Currently in the UK, women aged 25 to 49 are invited for cervical screening at their GP surgery every three years.

Those aged 50 to 64 can have one every five years. MailOnline's health editor Eve Simmons, pictured, tested out a new NHS cervical cancer screening test which can be done at home or in the office Currently, women aged 25 to 49 are invited for a cervical screening test at their local GP surgery once every three years, or every five years for those aged 49 to 64 The self-testing kits like this one (pictured) are .