Cervical screening now every 5 years for under-50s in England – here’s what mums need to know
Women aged 25–49 in England will now get cervical screening invites every five years if they test HPV negative
From July, the cervical screening programme in England is changing – and for many mums, that means fewer appointments. If you're aged 25 to 49 and your last smear test came back HPV negative, you’ll now be invited for your next one in five years’ time instead of three.
The NHS says this updated approach is both safe and backed by strong research – and will help women avoid unnecessary procedures without compromising health.
Why the change – and is it safe?
Cervical screening in the UK now starts by testing for HPV (human papillomavirus) – a common virus that causes 99% of cervical cancers. If this test is negative, your risk of developing cervical cancer in the next 10 years is extremely low.
New studies show that screening every five years is just as effective as the three-year model, thanks to this more accurate HPV testing. And it’s not the first time this has been rolled out – Scotland and Wales already made the switch.
The NHS is following robust evidence on how often women need to be safely screened, and by putting invitations and reminders straight in women's pockets on their phones, we're making it easier than ever to take up screening appointments.
What does this mean for mums?
If your last smear was clear, you’ll now get your next invite in five years – saving you time, hassle and stress. Invitations will pop up via the NHS app as well as by post, so it's worth making sure your details are up to date.
What if you’ve had HPV or abnormal cells before?
If your last result wasn’t HPV negative, you’ll still be followed up more frequently, so don’t worry – this change only applies to those with a clear HPV result.
And if you notice anything unusual, like irregular bleeding, pain during sex or changes in discharge, don’t wait for your next invite – get checked out straight away.
Cancer Research UK echoed this, urging women not to ignore symptoms: “Go for regular cervical screening and speak to your GP if you notice any unusual changes.”
What’s behind the shift?
This isn’t just about cutting appointments. It’s part of a wider NHS goal to eliminate cervical cancer entirely by 2040, thanks to better HPV vaccination and smarter screening.
Since the early 1990s, cases have dropped by a quarter, and the HPV jab is now routinely offered to children aged 12 to 13, regardless of gender, in schools across the UK.
How do I make sure I don’t miss my next test?
If you’re 25–64 and registered with a GP, you’ll be invited when your screening is due. Make sure your NHS app is downloaded and notifications are on.
And if you're overdue or think you might have missed an invite, it's never too late to book. Call your GP surgery or check your NHS app to arrange it.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Key signs to watch for include:
- Bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause
- Heavier periods than usual
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex or in the lower back/tummy
If in doubt, get it checked. The NHS has more detailed symptom guidance at nhs.uk.
The new five-year screening plan is safe, science-backed and aims to make life easier without putting your health at risk. So if you're due, book that smear – and then you can tick it off your list for another five years.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.