This Cervical Screening Awareness Week (15 to 21 June 2026), women in the North West are being urged to come forward to their cervical screening appointments when invited by the NHS.

Cervical screening (previously known as the smear test) checks the health of the cervix and looks for a certain type of human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause cervical cancer. If that type of HPV is found, further tests and treatment can prevent cancer from developing.

The test plays a vital role in preventing cancer and is offered to women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64. The test is usually done at a GP practice by a female nurse.

Despite the potentially life-saving benefits of cervical screening and success of the programme, uptake in England is lower than we would like.

Dr Paula Cowan, Regional Medical Director for Primary Care and National Specialist Advisor for Gynaecology, said: “We know many people don’t attend their cervical screening appointments for a variety of reasons, such as embarrassment or worry, but I’d like to reassure women that the NHS is here to make the test as easy and comfortable as possible.

“Some people may think they are not at risk of cervical cancer, but all women and people with a cervix can get cervical cancer and should come forward for the life-saving screening when invited, even if you have had the HPV vaccine.

“Don’t ignore your invite when you receive it and book an appointment as soon as possible, and if you have missed any previous appointments, please contact your GP practice.”

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV and this is what cervical screening tests for – if your cells are shown to be abnormal, it is easily treatable, without ever developing into cancer.

The NHS has set an ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2025 and make it a disease of the past, thanks to the effectiveness of cervical screening and the HPV vaccine.

Laura Hope, 28, from Greater Manchester knows just how important cervical screening is and thanks the test for saving her life. Laura was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2023 and had a hysterectomy to remove the cancer. She is now encouraging other women to attend their screening appointments when eligible.

Laura said: “Luckily my cervical cancer was found at stage 1 – the earliest possible stage – which I think is because I have always gone for my screening. So now I want to make all my friends and family aware of just how important it is for you to attend when you get your invite. I’ve now fully recovered from cancer and enjoying spending time with my loved ones.”

In the North West, we’re making it as easy and convenient as possible for women to get this potentially life-saving test. The Living Well Bus is offering screenings in the community so people can get important health checks whilst going about their daily lives. Find a date and time near you: www.cwp.nhs.uk/livingwellservice. The website is updated regularly with new dates.

For more information about cervical screening, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/