Cervical cancer screening to be relaxed for those at low risk

WOMEN aged 25 to 49, who are at low risk for cervical cancer, will be invited for screening every five years, instead of three.

NHS has said the new rule will come into force from July, and the move follows a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee.

The health service provider claimed that this was in line with new clinical evidence that women who test negative for human papillomavirus (HPV) have a very low risk of cervical cancer over the next 10 years.

Currently, those aged 50-64 are invited every five years, while it is three years for those in the age bracket of 25-49 years.

However, those having a presence of HPV or with a recent history will continue to be invited for frequent screenings.

Since December 2019, England has moved to HPV testing, which is more accurate than the previous method of cytology testing (known as a ‘smear test’).

A study, led by King’s College London researchers, had concluded that screening at an interval of five years and three years showed identical results for those who test negative for HPV.

Dr Sue Mann, NHS National Clinical Director for Women’s Health, said: “Taking a more personalised approach to cervical screening will help ensure everyone eligible can make the most of these life-saving services, while sparing women appointments that they don’t need."

Another factor is the rollout of the vaccine to protect against HPV since the early 1990s.

Cancer Research chief executive Michelle Mitchell said that widespread screening and HPV vaccines have seen cervical cancer rates drop by around a quarter since the 1990s, and she expects it to go down further.

Meanwhile, as part of its digitization drive, the NHS this week rolled out digital invitations and reminders for cervical screening via the NHS App.

As part of a new ‘ping and book’ service, eligible women will first receive a notification through the app to alert them to book a screening appointment, followed by a text message if the app notification isn’t opened.

Letters will remain in place for those who need them.