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.