The NHS Cervical Screening Programme currently recommends cervical screening every three years for women aged 25-49 and every five years for those aged 50-64. Women usually stop being invited for screening once they turn 65. From July 2025, younger women (aged 25 to 49) who test negative for HPV, meaning they are at very low risk of cervical cancer over the next 10 years, will safely be invited at 5-year intervals rather than 3, in line with major clinical evidence. More information is avaliable.

All eligible women who are registered with a GP (as female) automatically receive an invitation by mail.

Under-screened and never-screened women are most at risk of cervical cancer.

Cervical screening: professional guidance sets out standards and information for those working in the NHS cervical screening programmes including how programmes should be managed, and guidance on training for cervical sample takers. There is also a care pathway document, which describes the care pathway for cervical screening.

Next page: HPV vaccine and cervical screening