
Major Changes in Cervical Screening: What You Need to Know About the New 5-Year Test
2025-06-13
Author: Ming
Let’s be honest: smear tests aren’t anyone’s idea of a good time, but they play a crucial role in keeping women’s health in check. Brace yourselves, because starting in July, the cervical screening process is set for a significant overhaul.
Instead of the usual triannual invitations, women aged 25 to 49 in England will now receive their cervical screening invites every five years! Don't worry—those with positive results will still be closely monitored to ensure any HPV (human papillomavirus) is effectively cleared and that no abnormal cell changes occur.
HPV is notorious for being responsible for nearly all cervical cancers. The good news? Most HPV infections disappear naturally, and advancements in testing have made it much more accurate, paving the way for less frequent check-ups according to the NHS.
These changes aim for a more personalized testing approach, driven by significant clinical research. The NHS is also embracing technology by enabling appointment bookings through their app, although traditional letters will remain for those who prefer that method.
This exciting shift has already been implemented in Scotland and Wales, following expert recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee. This independent group evaluates screening evidence to guide health policies across the UK.
While less frequent testing might sound alarming, cancer charities are fully supportive of this initiative. Michelle Mitchell, CEO of Cancer Research UK, expressed her enthusiasm: 'We welcome this change in cervical screening, which comes from extensive research ensuring it’s safe to extend the time between tests. The combined efforts of screenings and the rollout of the HPV vaccine have already led to a remarkable 25% drop in cervical cancer rates since the early 1990s. We're excited about the potential for even more improvement!'
Athena Lamnisos, CEO of The Eve Appeal, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of prevention: 'Every cancer case that can be avoided should be. This new guidance is excellent news for those at low risk, allowing them to go less frequently for cervical screening. It’s essential for everyone to feel informed and supported when invited for screening, and to understand these changes and how they protect their health.'