The NHS Cervical Screening Programme currently recommends cervical screening every three years for women and people with a cervix aged 25-49 and every five years for those aged 50-64. People usually stop being invited for screening once they turn 65.

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

For Transgender men (assigned female at birth) the launch of the Cervical Screening Management System (CSMS) in summer 2024 means:

• If a patient has changed their gender on their GP system from female to male or unspecified, but not their NHS number, and is known to the NHS Cervical Screening Programme (CSP) because they have screening history, they should already be on CSMS as male.  GP practices are encouraged to check this.  If the patient no longer wishes to be part of the NHS CSP, or no longer has a cervix, GP practices should cease the patient in line with normal Cervical Screening Administration Service (CSAS) processes.

• If a patient has changed their gender on their GP system from male to female, Personal Demographics Service is now bringing them into the NHS CSP.  GPs are encouraged to check their PNLs and cease the patient for no cervix using normal CSAS processes.

• If a patient has changed their gender on their GP system from female to male or unspecified, was issued a new NHS number and has no screening history under that NHS number, they will not be known to the NHS CSP in that they are not on CSMS.  Unless a test has been taken (where we assume consent given) and a test result has been received by CSAS, GPs and patients will need to complete an opt-in form and send to CSAS.

NHS England is currently finalising the opt-in form and the process with CSAS and will write out to GP practices to confirm when it can be used.

Under-screened and never-screened people 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