Cervical Screening Awareness Week – 19-24 June 2025

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Cervical Screening Awareness Week: A Vital Step Towards Eliminating Cervical Cancer by 2030

Every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer globally. In the UK, two women lose their lives to this preventable disease each day. Yet, one in three women still does not attend their cervical screening appointment — despite the fact that early detection can prevent up to 75% of cases.

This week, Soroptimists are taking action by engaging with communities to raise awareness and encourage more women to attend their screenings.

The UK’s cervical screening programme owes much to Dr. Janet Elizabeth MacGregor, a pioneering Scottish physician who led the first successful UK screening trial in 1960. Her work paved the way for major reductions in cervical cancer deaths.

A pivotal breakthrough came in the 1980s when HPV (human papillomavirus) was identified as the main cause of cervical cancer. Since 2019, all cervical screening samples in England are tested for high-risk HPV — a more accurate method than the older smear test.

Key Updates to Screening Guidelines:

  • England: Women aged 25–49 are currently invited every 3 years; those aged 50–64 every 5 years.
  • From 1 July 2025: All eligible women in England will be invited every 5 years, unless they’re at higher risk due to HPV or abnormal cell changes.
  • Scotland & Wales: Already use a 5-year interval for all eligible ages.

This change is backed by research from King’s College London, confirming that 5-yearly HPV testing is just as effective as 3-yearly screening — with fewer unnecessary tests.

Digital Advancements:

To increase uptake, the NHS now sends screening invitations via the NHS App. If unopened, a text message follows, and letters remain for those who prefer them. This new “ping and book” system makes booking appointments easier and more accessible.

Dr Sue Mann, NHS Women’s Health Director, says:

“We’re making it easier than ever to take up screening appointments. This personalised approach ensures women get the care they need, while avoiding unnecessary tests.”