Lydia Brain
Communications Manager, The Eve Appeal
Cervical screening is a test offered to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 to help prevent cervical cancer.
Cervical screening saves 5,000 lives a year in the UK.1 Yet, the number of people going for their screening is going down, as 1 in 3 did not go when invited in 2023–2024 [AO1] (36%).2
Cervical screening in the UK
Cervical screening looks for HPV (the virus which causes nearly all cervical cancers) and any changes to the cells which can then be treated or monitored to prevent them from developing into cancer. Cervical cancer is almost wholly preventable. In 2023, NHS England set themselves the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040. To meet this goal, we must ensure every eligible person who wants screening gets booked in and attends.
Findings on cervical screening awareness
We found a lack of knowledge of some steps and adaptations women and people with a cervix can ask for during their cervical screening appointment to make the appointment easier and more comfortable.
Our survey (YouGov, January 2025) found that 1 in 2 (56%) weren’t aware that they could ask for their cervical screening test to stop at any point. Three in four (77%) weren’t aware that they could ask for a smaller size speculum. Just 1 in 10 (12%) knew they could book a double appointment for more time for their screening test or that they could ask to try a different cervical screening position like the left lateral position (11%).
Cervical screening isn’t
easy for everybody.
How to make cervical screening more comfortable
Cervical screening isn’t easy for everybody. There are things you can do to help make the appointment more comfortable, and we want everyone to be aware of these:
- Asking for a smaller speculum
- Booking a double appointment
- Asking to bring a friend, family member or carer with you for support
- Listening to an audiobook, podcast or music
- Asking if you can try a different position for cervical screening
- Asking for information on cervical screening in ‘Easy Read’ or in your preferred language
- Asking for a female nurse or doctor to perform your cervical screening
[1] Gov.uk. 2024. Topic 2: background to cervical screening.
[2] Gov.uk. 2024. Cervical screening programme, 2023-24.
