Cervical screening is changing

From now on, cervical screening (smear tests) will be offered every 5 years for everyone aged 25 to 64, as long as your test shows no signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

• Until now, people aged 24 to 49 were invited every 3 years, and those aged 50 to 64 every 5 years.

What this means for you

• From July 2025, if your test is negative, your next routine screening invitation will now be in 5 years.

• If you are already waiting for your next test based on the old 3-year schedule, you’ll still be invited at that time. From your next test onwards, if it’s negative, you’ll move to the 5-year interval.

• If HPV is found, your care and follow-up will continue as before.

For more information regarding the changes to cervical screening please follow this link: Cervical screening – NHS