Changes to Cervical Screening

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In 2025, cervical screening intervals in England are changing for women and people with a cervix aged 25-49. From July 1, 2025, those who test negative for high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus) will be invited for screening every five years instead of every three. This change aims to provide more personalised screening based on HPV status, which is the primary cause of nearly all cervical cancers. 

Key Changes:

  • Five-year screening for HPV-negative individuals: Women and people with a cervix aged 25-49 who test negative for HPV during screening will be invited for screening every five years, rather than every three. 
  • Three-year screening for HPV-positive or recent HPV history: Those with a positive HPV result or a recent history of HPV (within the past 5 years) will continue to be screened more frequently to monitor HPV clearance and any potential cell changes. 
  • HPV primary screening: The current screening method focuses on HPV testing first, and only checks for cell changes if HPV is detected. 

Rationale for Change:

  • Increased accuracy of HPV testing: The current HPV test is more accurate than previous methods, allowing for better risk assessment.
  • Low risk of cancer development: Studies show that individuals who test negative for HPV are at very low risk of developing cervical cancer within the next 10 years, according to information from the NHS.
  • Alignment with clinical evidence: The change aligns with recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee and is consistent with current screening practices for women aged 50-64.
  • Potential to save lives: By focusing screening on those at higher risk, the program aims to detect and treat cancers earlier, potentially saving more lives. 

Important Considerations:

  • Individualised screening: The screening interval will be tailored based on individual HPV status and screening history. 
  • Importance of attending appointments: It’s crucial to attend cervical screening appointments when invited to ensure early detection and treatment of any potential issues. 
  • Vaccination is still important: Even with the changes to screening, the HPV vaccination remains important, as it doesn’t protect against all HPV strains.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cervical-screening-programme-overview