The NHS has issued a call for anyone eligible for cervical screening to come forward for the potentially life-saving appointment, as new data shows that around 4.6 million are not taking up their latest test.
More than five million invites were sent in the last full year (2021/22) – up by over a tenth (10.5%) on pre-pandemic levels. Screening helps prevent cervical cancer by using a highly effective test to check for high-risk human papillomavirus (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. Around 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England each year, but the NHS screening programme helps save around 5,000 lives each year.
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‘We have made great progress on our Cervical Screening Programme and the combined effects of the HPV vaccine and the new, more sensitive way of screening for cervical cancer means that we have the opportunity to eliminate cervical cancer altogether,’ said GP and NHS Interim Medical Director for Primary Care Dr Kiren Collison .
‘Having the potential to completely eradicate a disease that affects thousands of people every year is remarkable, but in order to do this, it is vital that people take up the offer of a test – so if you have received an invitation, or missed your last screening, don’t wait to make an appointment, put your health first and book an appointment with your GP practice or sexual health clinic today – getting checked can save your life.’
The NHS achieved an increase in cervical screening in 2021/22 with 3.5 million women aged 25-64 being screened, up 9.4% from the previous year (19/20) when 3.2 million were screened.
Having HPV does not mean someone has or will develop cervical cancer; it is a common virus that most people have at some point in their life without knowing it and usually goes away on its own. If cell changes are identified early, cervical cancer can be prevented from developing.
‘Screening is an effective way to prevent cervical cancer developing or to catch it at a very early stage, which is why it is especially important that people attend their screening appointments,’ said National Clinical Director for Cancer, Professor Peter Johnson.
‘It’s also important to understand that HPV can remain undetected for many years before later going on to cause abnormal cells which can lead to cancer, so even if you’ve previously had a negative test, it is vital that you attend your next one.’