Important Update to Cervical Screening from 1 July 2025
Important Update to Cervical Screening from 1 July 2025
As of 1st July 2025, there has been an important change to the NHS Cervical Screening Programme for individuals aged 25 to 49.
What’s Changing?
If you are aged 25 to 49 and receive a negative result for high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus) during your cervical screening, your next screening will now be due in 5 years, instead of 3.
This change will only apply to tests taken on or after 1 July 2025.
✅ Why is the interval being extended?
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Cervical screening now tests for high-risk HPV, which causes nearly all cervical cancers.
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This method is more accurate and sensitive than the old ‘smear test’.
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Research shows that if your result is negative for high-risk HPV, your risk of developing cervical cancer is extremely low for many years.
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Studies confirm that 5-year screening intervals are just as safe as 3-year intervals for those who test HPV-negative.
This change is based on expert advice from the UK National Screening Committee and is supported by scientific evidence.
📅 What does this mean for you?
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If your HPV test is negative, you’ll be invited for your next screening in 5 years.
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If you test positive for HPV, you’ll continue to be followed up as before:
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If no cell changes are found, you’ll be invited back in 1 year.
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If cell changes are found, you’ll be referred for further tests (colposcopy).
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📲 Digital Invitations Now Available
The NHS Cervical Screening Programme is also going digital.
You may now receive your screening invitation and reminders through the NHS App. This makes it quicker and easier to manage your health.
💡 We encourage you to download the NHS App and enable notifications to ensure you don’t miss your next invite.
(Printed letters will still be sent if a digital message isn’t possible.)
We understand that changes like this may raise questions. Please know that this decision has been made to improve your care and safety, while reducing unnecessary testing.