Women who are too anxious or embarrassed to go for a smear test could instead provide a urine sample to be screened for cervical cancer, research suggests.
A trial found urine testing was as good at detecting a virus called HPV that is a big risk factor for the cancer.
Bigger trials are still needed but experts said self-testing could be a game-changer for women.
The number of people going for smear tests is lower than ever in the UK.
NHS figures show attendance is now down to 71%, meaning several million women across England have not had a smear test for at least three and a half years.
Smear tests prevent 75% of cervical cancers, so while they may not be pleasant, they are important.
A smear test can detect early, abnormal cell changes before a cancer develops.
-BBC
