NHS makes fresh appeal on the importance of cervical screening
The NHS invites women for screening every three to five years depending on their age, or more frequently if the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is detected, with the programme saving thousands of lives annually.
The NHS Cervical Screening Programme, England 2023-2024 annual report, published by NHS England, found that 68.8% of 25 to 64-year-olds were screened within the recommended period of time, compared to 68.7% the previous year. Coverage was higher for 50 to 64-year-olds at 74.3% compared with 25 to 49-year-olds at 66.1%.
Last year, the NHS pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 by making it as easy as possible for people to get the lifesaving human papillomavirus vaccination and encouraging more women and people with a cervix to come forward for their cervical screening.
"Cervical screening saves thousands of lives every year in the UK. It’s for people without symptoms and helps to prevent cervical cancer from developing in the first place. Cancer Research UK encourages everyone who receives an invitation to take part."
Improving cervical screening
Earlier this month, the NHS set out reforms to fully digitise screening – by announcing the rollout of a new “ping and book” service that will send alerts to phones to remind women they are due or overdue an appointment. The plans will begin with invitations for breast screening being sent directly through the NHS app (available on both Android smartphones and iPhone), and be expanded to include cervical screening in Spring 2025.
How screening helps
NHS cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by using a highly effective test to check for human papillomavirus, which is found in over 99% of all cervical cancers and which may cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix. These abnormal cells can, over time, turn into cancer if left untreated.
Receiving appointments
Women who are due a cervical screening appointment will receive invitation letters by post when it’s time to book. Appointments can be booked through GP practices and some sexual health clinics also offer the service. Anyone who has previously received an invitation and been unable to attend shouldn’t wait for another invitation – you can still book a cervical screening appointment even if invited weeks, months or years ago.
Vaccine
The human papillomavirus vaccine protects against cervical cancer as well as other cancers including anal, mouth and throat, head and neck and penile cancers caused by the human papillomavirus. It is offered to girls and boys in secondary school to protect them against catching the human papillomavirus infection and developing into pre-cancerous and cancer cells. Girls under 25 years old can get their vaccination, while boys born after 1 September 2006 are also eligible.
The importance of attending appointments
It is still important to attend cervical screening appointments if you have been vaccinated against human papillomavirus as the vaccine does not provide protection from all types of human papillomavirus, so there is a still a small chance of getting cervical cancer.
Health and care professionals will be supported to identify those who most need the human papillomavirus vaccine through targeted outreach and offering jabs in more convenient settings.
"If you have previously missed your appointment, do not hesitate to reach out to your GP practice or sexual health clinic to schedule a new one. Taking this proactive step could potentially save your life."
How the Eve Appeal can help you
We recognise that cervical screening can be a difficult, painful or traumatic experience for many women and people with a cervix. The Eve Appeal are here to ensure they have the right information and support available to them to help them through the process.
Their Ask Eve nurses are always here to help with free and confidential advice.
To get in touch email nurse@eveappeal.org.uk or call 0808 802 0019.
"Having the human papillomavirus vaccination and attending cervical screening appointments, when invited, is vital to prevent cervical cancer. We encourage anyone who has received their invitation or whose test is overdue, to book their appointment."
