Researchers say menstrual blood testing could provide a simple alternative to cervical screening.
A sanitary pad with a sample strip can detect HPV, which causes most cervical cancers.
The test could be used at home and avoid invasive clinical procedures.
Millions of women currently miss cervical screening appointments.
Researchers in China compared menstrual blood samples with clinician-collected cervical samples.
They studied 3,068 women aged 20 to 54 between 2021 and 2025.
The findings were published in BMJ.
Pad-collected samples detected serious cervical abnormalities with 94.7% sensitivity.
Clinician-collected samples showed similar accuracy at 92.1%.
Negative results proved equally reliable for both methods.
Researchers said menstrual blood testing could become a standard screening option.
Cancer Research UK called the approach encouraging but early-stage.
Experts stressed the need for larger and more diverse trials.
The Eve Appeal welcomed the findings but noted limitations.
They said offering screening choices could improve participation and save lives.
