Cervical cancer screenings will be less common for women aged 25 to 49 if they are shown to be low risk – low risk individuals will be able to wait five years between smear tests
A major change to cervical cancer screening will mean younger women can have the smear test less often. Women aged 25 to 49 will no longer have to be tested every three years if their previous test shows no signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to cervical cancer.
These women deemed at low risk will be able to wait five years between smear tests after the Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunisation advised that this is safe. The change will come into force from next month. Dr Sue Mann, NHS national clinical director for women’s health, said: “Taking a more personalised approach to cervical screening will help ensure everyone eligible can make the most of these life-saving services, while sparing women appointments that they don’t need.”
Two people a day still die from cervical cancer in the UK and the disease claimed the life of Celebrity Big brother star Jade Goody in 2009.
The move follows a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee the five-year interval brings younger women into line with the approach already used for women aged 50 to 64 in England.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “We welcome this change to cervical screening in England, which is the result of years of vital research to make screening more effective and has shown it is safe to extend the time between tests. Screening, alongside the roll out of the HPV vaccine have seen cervical cancer rates drop by around a quarter since the early 1990s, and we look forward to even more progress.
“Beating cervical cancer means beating it for all, and we’re committed to a future where almost no one develops this disease. If you notice any unusual changes for you, do not wait for a screening invitation – speak to your doctor.” Currently cervical screening involves a medical professional inserting a soft brush to take a sample of cells from the cervix.
In recent years cervical cancer rates have dropped for women in their 20s who received the HPV vaccine, but have increased for women aged 30 to 44.
NHS England data shows that during 2023/24 only 68.8% of 25 to 64-year-olds were screened within the recommended period of time, compared to 68.7% the previous year. Embarrassment is thought to be a major reason uptake of screening is not higher and rates have fallen in recent years.
The NHS has this week rolled-out digital invitations and reminders for cervical screening via the NHS App, as part of a new “ping and book” service. Eligible women will first receive a notification through the app to alert them to book a screening appointment, followed by a text message if the app notification isn’t opened. Letters will remain in place for those who need them.
Dr Mann added: “The NHS is following robust evidence on how often women need to be safely screened and by putting invitations and reminders straight in women’s pockets on their phones, we’re making it easier than ever to take up screening appointments.”
Currently all women aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to cervical screening to check the health of their cervix. It is not a test for cancer but looks for abnormal cells to help prevent cancer.
A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. These are called “high risk” types of HPV.
If these types of HPV are found, the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer causes 685 deaths a year in England. The move to five-year intervals for younger women brings England into line with Scotland and Wales.
Louise Ansari, chief executive of Healthwatch England, said: “We welcome this change, which confirms that most women will not need to attend screening so frequently.
“Healthwatch research last year showed many women can find it an uncomfortable experience, and sometimes difficult to schedule in around their busy lives. Reducing the number of times they need to attend, alongside sensitive and empathetic approaches by health professionals, will make these important appointments easier to manage.”
Women due for screening will still be invited at the interval in which they were advised of at the time of their last test. Only those who attend cervical screening on or after 1 July, and meet the clinical criteria, will have their next test due date set at five years.
The NHS aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 and is also rolling out the option of DIY swab kits. The World Health Organisation’s definition of eliminating cervical cancer is to have an incidence rate of below 4 per 100,000 women.