The NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves thousands of lives every year by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix that could develop into cancer if left untreated. Recent improvements in testing means that it now can check for high-risk strains of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) which causes nearly all cervical cancers. Studies have shown that if a person tests negative for HPV, they are extremely unlikely to go on to develop cervical cancer within the next 10 years.
From 1st July 2025, eligible women and people with a cervix aged 25-49 years old will be invited every 5 years instead of 3 years if their routine screening shows they do not have HPV. If your cervical screening does show that you have HPV, you may be invited for more frequent screenings to check HPV has cleared or if any cell changes have developed.
This change follows recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee, an independent body of experts who review screening evidence and advise the UK government. This move brings England in line with Scotland and Wales who have already introduced this change, and with women aged 50-64 years old who are already invited every 5 years.
Eligible patients will first receive a notification through the NHS App to alert them to book a screening appointment, followed by a follow-up text message. To receive these, please download the NHS App and make sure your notifications are switched on. If you do not use the NHS App, we will attempt to contact you by text message or letter so you don’t miss your invitation.
For more information, please see NHS England’s latest news post.