England Extends Cervical Screening Interval⁤ for HPV-Negative Women

⁢ ⁢updated June‍ 13, 2025
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Starting in ‍July, women in England ‍between 25 and 49 years old who test ⁣negative for human papillomavirus ⁢(HPV) will be invited for cervical screening every five years, a change from the current three-year interval.NHS England officials said this updated schedule provides a more ⁣personalized⁣ approach to cervical screening, based on individual⁢ risk.

The change follows recommendations from the UK National ‍Screening Committee and brings the 25-49 age group in line with the existing five-year schedule for women aged 50-64 in England, as well as programs in Scotland and Wales. The updated cervical screening program emphasizes⁤ a personalized approach.

NHS England noted that research indicates‍ women who ‍test negative for HPV are highly unlikely to develop cervical cancer within the next decade.A 2022 study led by KingS College London, published in The⁣ BMJ, found that ⁤five-year screening intervals for HPV-negative women were as safe ⁢as three-year ‍intervals, with no difference in cancer detection rates.

Women who test positive for HPV will continue to be screened more frequently. Those with⁢ no abnormal‍ cell‍ changes will be rescreened in⁣ one year, while ⁣those with cell changes will be referred for colposcopy.The new guidelines for ⁢cervical screening will only ‍apply to women screened ⁣on⁤ or after July 1 who meet the criteria.

Cervical screening in the UK began in 1964. Since 2019, all cervical⁣ screening ⁣samples in England have been tested for high-risk ⁣HPV, a more accurate method than previous cytology testing. Cervical cancer is⁤ the 14th most common cancer in the UK,⁢ with about ⁢3,300⁢ new cases annually, nearly all caused‍ by HPV.

As 2008, girls in⁢ school year 8 have been ⁣offered HPV vaccinations, extended to‍ boys⁣ in 2019. Evidence shows the vaccine has reduced⁢ cervical cancer rates by 90% ‍in england. Scotland has recorded no cases among vaccinated women⁢ since its school program began in⁤ 2008.

Michelle‍ Mitchell,chief executive of⁢ Cancer Research UK,said,“screening,alongside the roll-out of the ⁢HPV vaccine,has seen‍ cervical cancer rates drop by around a quarter as the early 1990s.”

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 thay ⁢don’t need.”

Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve ⁢Appeal, said, “This new guidance is good news for those at low risk, as they will ⁣no longer need to go for cervical screening as‍ frequently enough.”

To improve participation, the NHS has introduced digital invitations and reminders for cervical screening⁣ via the ‍NHS App, using a “ping and book” service. Eligible‍ women receive a notification⁣ to book an appointment, followed by⁣ a text ⁣if⁤ the notification is unread. Paper letters remain available for those who ⁤need them.

The 2023-2024 NHS Cervical⁣ Screening Programme annual report⁤ for England showed that ‍68.8% ⁢of women aged 25-64 were screened⁣ within the recommended timeframe, a slight increase from⁤ 68.7%‍ the previous year. Coverage ⁢was⁣ highest among women aged 50-64 (74.3%) and lowest among those aged 25-49 (66.1%).

Louise⁤ Ansari, chief executive of Healthwatch England, welcomed the digital invites. “Nearly half of ‍the ⁣women we polled last year said the⁣ ability‍ to book screenings via the app ⁣would make them more likely to attend future⁤ appointments,” she said.

What’s next

The NHS will⁣ continue to monitor the impact of the extended screening interval and digital reminders on cervical ⁣cancer rates and screening uptake, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure effective prevention and early detection.