Huge change to cervical screening invitations in England announced

The NHS has announced a huge change to cervical screening invitations in England following the results of new research.

For those who don’t know, cervical screening is a test that helps prevent cervical cancer by testing for a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).

If you do have HPV, it also tests for any cervical cell changes (also referred to as abnormal cells).

Screening is offered to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64, and it helps protect them against cervical cancer.

Although it all sounds quite complicated, and for some, it can seem scary, it’s nothing to be afraid of, as going for your smear test can save your life.

You will be called for your first screening just before your 25th birthday and then previously, you would go back every three years for check ups if nothing abnormal is found, and once you reach 50-64, you would then be invited every five years.

The NHS announced the big change this week and it will come into force in July (Getty Stock Image)

But now, new rules mean that the invitations for cervical screening will be sent out every five years for those below the age of 50, instead of every three, if you have a negative test.

NHS England said in a press release that this is because new research has shown that they are at very low risk of cervical cancer and can safely wait longer to be screened again.

However, those whose samples indicate the presence of HPV, or have had a history with it, will be invited to more frequent screenings to check if it has cleared, but the NHS stress that having HPV doesn't mean you have or will get cervical cancer.

The change will come into effect from July and follows recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee - an independent body of experts who review screening evidence and advise the four UK governments.

Scotland and Wales have already made the same change back in 2020 and 2022, respectively.

What was the study's findings?

If you have a negative result, you will then be screened every five years, rather than three (Tempura / Getty Images)

A recent study revealed that screening every five years is just as safe as doing it every three years, because the same number of cancers are found and so fewer screening tests are actually needed, the BBC reports.

To break it down, Cancer Research UK explained that the change comes after a new and improved method of testing, which was introduced in England in 2019.

It looks for high-risk strains of HPV (the human papillomavirus), which causes 99.7 per cent of all cervical cancers.

Whereas, the old test only looked for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. If your cervical screening test does detect HPV, you should be invited back for another test within a year.

What does a smear test actually involve?

Explaining the process of a smear test, Tyla previously spoke to Katie Musialowski, the Senior Information Officer at Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.

It comes after a new and more advanced test that was introduced in 2019 (Nickbeer / Getty Images)

Katie explained: "You’ll usually be seen by a practice nurse. During the appointment, they’ll ask you to go behind a screen and undress from the waist down. There will be a bed for you to lie on and you’ll be given a sheet to cover yourself.

"They’ll then ask you to lie on your back with your legs bent and knees apart - although you can lie on your side if that makes you feel more comfortable."

When you're ready, Katie continues, the nurse will insert a plastic tube which opens into your vagina, called a 'speculum', which allows them to get a clear view of your cervix.

The nurse will then wipe your cervix with a small brush to collect cells, which are then sent to a lab to be tested for high-risk HPV.

Katie noted that 'everyone's experience of cervical screening is different', adding: "Some people don't feel any discomfort. Others may find it uncomfortable or painful, and there can be lots of reasons for this. They might be physical or psychological.

"It’s important to tell your nurse or doctor if cervical screening is painful for you — they can give you extra support."