THE NATIONAL Health Service is appealing for more women to come forward and take part in its cervical screening service as figures show that more than five million women are not up to date with check-ups.
The NHS invites women to get regular screenings every three to five years based on their age, and more frequently still for those at high risk of human papillomavirus (HPV).
The screening services are credited with saving thousands of lives annually.
The NHS Cervical Screening Programme in England 2023-2024 report published last week, however, shows that while the number of people being screened is still rising, more than five million are not up to date with their check-ups.
The report found that 68.8% of women aged 25-64 were screened within the recommended period of time, compared to 68.7% the previous year.
It also found that coverage was higher for 50 to 64 at 74.3%, compared with 25 to 49-year-olds at 66.1%.
In 2023-24, the 5.12 million individuals aged 25 to 64 in England who were due a test were invited to book an appointment– of those, 3.25 million were tested during the year.
NHS cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by using a highly-effective test to check for HPV, which is found in over 99% of all cervical cancers and which may cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix.
These abnormal cells can, over time, turn into cancer if left untreated.
The findings follow the announcement last month of NHS reforms to fully digitise screening, which included rollout of a new “ping and book” service that will send reminders to phones.
Invitations for breast screening being sent directly through the NHS App and be expanded to include cervical screening in Spring next year.
Last year, the NHS also pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 by making it easier for people to get the life-saving HPV vaccination, as well as encouraging more women and people with a cervix to come forward for their cervical screening.
Sue Mann, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Women’s Health, said: “We have set ourselves an ambitious target of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040–a commitment shared by only a few countries worldwide.
“In order to achieve this, we are working hard to ensure that everyone who’s eligible has access to HPV vaccination and cervical screening appointments, and that they are suitably informed on how to book and what to expect at an appointment.
“If we are to make real inroads into eradicating cervical cancer, it’s essential that everyone who is invited for screening comes forward when invited.”
She explained: “If you have previously missed your appointment, do not hesitate to reach out to your GP practice or sexual health clinic to schedule a new one. Taking this proactive step could potentially save your life.”
Sophia Lowes, Senior Health Information Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Cervical screening saves thousands of lives every year in the UK.
“It’s for people without symptoms and helps to prevent cervical cancer from developing in the first place.
“Cancer Research UK encourages everyone who receives an invitation to take part.”
She explained: “Some people may have found cervical screening uncomfortable in the past or have experienced other barriers to taking part.
“But there are things you can ask for to help you feel more comfortable, such as asking for a nurse of a specific gender or asking for a smaller speculum–the tool that nurses use to look at your cervix.
“You can also ask for a longer appointment so you can talk through any concerns with the nurse on what adjustments you might need.
“On top of this, the NHS in England is taking steps to make it easier to take part in cervical screening, such as letting you book your appointment through the NHS App.
“In the future, innovations like HPV self-sample kits, which allow people to collect a sample for testing themselves, could help more people take part–we’re looking forward to seeing the impact these new initiatives could have.”
Helen Hyndman MBE, Nurse Service Co-ordinator for The Eve Appeal, said: “Having the HPV vaccination and attending cervical screening appointments, when invited, is vital to prevent cervical cancer.
“We encourage anyone who has received their invitation or whose test is overdue, to book their appointment.”
She explained: “We recognise that cervical screening can be a difficult, painful or traumatic experience for many women and people with a cervix, we are here to ensure they have the right information and support available to them to help them through the process.
“Our Ask Eve nurses are always here to help with free and confidential advice.
“To get in touch email nurse@eveappeal.org.uk or call: 0808 802 0019.”
