Important changes to the NHS Cervical Screening Programme
Extending screening intervals From 1 July 2025, routine cervical screening intervals will be extended from 3 to 5 years for participants aged 25-49 who test negative after attending cervical screening on or after this date. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves thousands of lives every year by checking for high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (hrHPV) which causes almost all cervical cancers.
In England, women and people with a cervix are currently invited every 3 years between the ages of 25-49 and every 5 years if aged 50-64 years. Copyright © NHS England 2025 2 In December 2019, HPV primary screening was fully implemented in England. This is a more sensitive and accurate test than the previous ‘smear’ test, which only looked for cervical cell changes.
HPV testing is the best way to find out at an early stage who is at higher risk of developing the cervical cell changes that over time could potentially lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. This enables us to offer a more personalised approach to cervical cancer prevention based on an individual’s risk.
Studies have shown that if a person tests negative for hrHPV they are extremely unlikely to go on to develop cervical cancer within the next 10 years. A study1 in England, published by King’s College London, showed that 5-year screening intervals are as safe as 3-year intervals; the same number of cancers will be prevented and less frequent cervical screening tests are needed. The UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) reviewed all the robust scientific evidence and recommended a change to a 5-year screening interval for participants aged 25-49 years who test negative for hrHPV at their routine screen.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has accepted this recommendation. Next test due dates will not be changed; individuals will be invited at the interval in which they were advised of at the time of their last test. This change will be clearly communicated to the public through media, social media and the NHS.uk and gov.uk websites. We are working closely with charities CRUK and Eve Appeal to support those who have questions.
NHS England pledge to end cervical cancer by 2040
NHS England has pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. We are really excited about the news as the pledge includes plans to improve access to online booking for vaccination appointments nationally and support for healthcare professionals to reach those most at risk.
With Sweden on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, and with Australia not far behind them, it is great to see NHS England making this pledge.
We’re incredibly lucky to have the tools to make cervical cancer a thing of the past. The HPV vaccination programme is incredibly successful and has already led to an 87% decrease in cervical cancer incidence in women in their 20s. Alongside its vaccination drive, the NHS is inviting more people than ever before for cervical screening – over five million people aged 25 to 64 were invited last year, with 3.5 million tested – while self-sampling is being trialled to determine if it could be introduced as part of national screening.
However, there is still more to be done. We need Government commitment across the UK so these programmes are appropriately funded, resourced and staffed – from immunisation teams, through primary care, colposcopy teams, and laboratories. We need to tackle inequalities in cancer prevention, and to make sure we can innovate for the future. With this political commitment, and cervical cancer recognised as a priority, the UK can join the short list of nations who are only a few years away from saving the lives of tens of thousands of women, improving health outcomes, and reducing the physical, emotional, and financial impact of cervical cancer.
9 women a day are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK, and 2 women a day lose their lives to this disease. You can play your part in making cervical cancer a thing of the past by raising awareness and supporting our Cervical Cancer Prevention Week on 22nd - 28th January 2024. Together, we can end cervical cancer.
Book you Cervical Screening Test Now - 024 7659 2201 - you can also request to be sent a "self book link" via our online triage tool > https://florey.accurx.com/p/M86018 Click > Admin Query > Something else. Ensure that the request has:
Your Full Name
Date Of Birth
And reason for request ( requesting self book link for smear test) and our admin team aim to respond within 48hrs. This will help you book an appointment at a convenient time for you, without having to wait in phone queues.
Below are some useful websites/ Leaflets:
https://www.jostrust.org.uk/video/talk_CC_symptoms
https://www.jostrust.org.uk/video/what-hpv
https://www.jostrust.org.uk/get-support
https://www.jostrust.org.uk/information
https://www.england.nhs.uk/2023/11/nhs-sets-ambition-to-eliminate-cervical-cancer-by-2040/
