Researchers say a menstrual blood test could offer a simple alternative to cervical screening.
The method uses a sanitary pad fitted with a blood sample strip.
It can detect human papillomavirus, which causes most cervical cancers.
Women could use the test at home without a clinical examination.
This may help reach people who skip routine cervical screening.
Researchers in China compared pad samples with clinician-collected cervical samples.
The study involved more than 3,000 women with regular menstrual cycles.
Findings were published in BMJ.
The pad-based test showed high sensitivity for detecting serious cervical cell changes.
Its accuracy was comparable to clinician-collected samples.
Cancer Research UK said the approach looked encouraging.
Experts stressed that more trials are needed before clinical use.
The Eve Appeal welcomed the findings.
They said offering different screening options could increase participation.
