The NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves thousands of lives every year by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix that could develop into cancer, if left untreated.

How often people need to have cervical screening is changing in England from 1st July 2025.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes nearly all cervical cancers. Now that we have a better test for HPV, women and people with a cervix aged 25-49 years who test HPV negative, will be invited every 5 years, instead of every 3.

This change is strongly backed by robust scientific evidence. Studies have shown that if a person tests negative for HPV, they are extremely unlikely to go on to develop cervical cancer within the next 10 years.

If your cervical screening shows you have HPV, you may be invited for more frequent screenings to check HPV has cleared and, if not, if any cell changes have developed.

This move brings England into line with Scotland and Wales which have introduced this change, and with women aged 50 – 64 who are already invited every 5 years.

The way people can receive cervical screening invitations and reminders has also changed as this is now possible via the NHS App.

To receive these, please download the NHS app and make sure your notifications are switched on. Find out more https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app If you don’t wish to use the App, we’ll attempt to contact you by text message or letter so, don’t worry, you won’t miss an invitation.

See Frequently Asked Questions for more information or visit Cancer Research UK’s website.