The NHS Cervical Screening Programme helps prevent cervical cancer by identifying high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and detecting abnormal cell changes in the cervix before they become cancerous.
Who is eligible?
- Women and people with a cervix aged 25–64 years.
- The first invitation is usually sent at 24.5 years of age.
- Eligible patients are invited every 5 years in England.
What does the test check for?
The screening test primarily looks for high-risk HPV, the virus responsible for almost all cervical cancers. If HPV is detected, the sample is then examined for abnormal cervical cells.
Possible results
- HPV not found – routine recall in 5 years.
- HPV found, no abnormal cells – earlier repeat screening may be recommended.
- HPV found with abnormal cells – referral for colposcopy for further assessment.
Why is screening important?
Regular cervical screening can identify changes before cancer develops and is estimated to save thousands of lives each year in the UK. Screening remains important even for people who:
- Have had the HPV vaccine.
- Have only had one sexual partner.
- Have not had penetrative sex.
- Are lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or non-binary and have a cervix.
What has changed?
At the moment in England, women and people with a cervix aged 25-49 years are routinely invited for cervical screening every 3 years. But now we have a better test for HPV, the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) has recommended that those testing negative will not need to come for a cervical screening quite so often –every 5 years instead of every 3. If your cervical screening shows you have HPV, you may be invited for more frequent screenings to monitor any cell changes.
Further Information