The NHS Cervical Screening Programme has made a significant impact on cervical cancer mortality since it was established in 1988, saving an estimated 5,000 lives a year. However, coverage is low; figures published by NHS Digital show that, at 31 March 2023, the percentage of eligible women (aged 25 to 64) screened adequately was 68.7%.
To help address this issue, in March 2019 PHE launched its first national multimedia cervical screening campaign. The campaign will:
- highlights the risks of cervical cancer
- highlights the preventative benefits of the often misunderstood screening test
- encourages women of all ages to respond to their screening invitation
- encourages women to consider booking an appointment if they have missed previous invitations
- aims to tackle issues of fear and embarrassment
There is a new NHS Cervical Screening Management System as of June 2024, which replaces the previous call/recall IT system, Open Exeter. This new system has many benefits and will streamline the cervical screening process, and guidance for using the system can be found here.
To access up to date information on signs, symptoms and treatment guidance click on the links below:
Key links
NICE Guidelines: Cervical Screening
NHS England, NHS Cervical Screening Programme – Good practice guidance for sample takers
Cervical screening: Implementation guide for primary HPV screening
Having a smear test – An easy guide about a health care test for women aged 25-64
Additional resources
Cervical screening: leaflet for women considering screening – This leaflet is sent to all women invited for NHS cervical screening.
HPV vaccine to be given to boys in England, Department of Health and Social Care (2018)
