Researchers say testing menstrual blood could offer a simple alternative to cervical screening.
A sanitary pad with a sample strip can detect human papillomavirus, which causes most cervical cancers.
Women could use the test at home, avoiding invasive clinical procedures.
Researchers in China compared menstrual blood samples with clinician-collected cervical samples.
The study involved 3,068 women aged 20 to 54 with regular menstrual cycles.
Findings were published in the BMJ.
The pad-based test detected serious cervical cell abnormalities with 94.7% sensitivity.
This matched the accuracy of samples collected by clinicians.
Specificity was slightly lower, but negative results proved equally reliable.
Experts say the method could help reach women who skip routine screening.
Cancer Research UK called the approach encouraging but early-stage.
Specialists stressed the need for larger and more diverse trials.
Charities welcomed the potential for a gentler, more acceptable screening option.
Researchers said offering multiple screening choices could improve participation and save lives.
