Publish date: 1 July 2025
The cervical screening intervals have been extended from three to five years in England for individuals with a negative Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test.
From July 1, younger women (aged 25 to 49) who test negative for HPV, meaning they are at very low risk of cervical cancer over the next ten years, will safely be invited at five-year intervals rather than three, in line with clinical evidence.
Those whose sample indicates the presence of HPV or who have a recent history of HPV, which causes nearly all cervical cancers, will continue to be invited to more frequent screenings to check HPV has cleared and if not, if any cell changes have developed.
The move follows a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee, and is the approach already used for women aged 50 to 64 in England.
