Overview

• From July 2025, women aged 25 to 49 who test negative for HPV will be invited for cervical screening every five years instead of three.
• Those who test positive for HPV or have a recent history of the virus will continue to receive more frequent recalls to monitor any cell changes.
• The move is based on UK National Screening Committee recommendations and King’s College London research showing five-yearly HPV testing is as safe as three-yearly.
• The NHS is rolling out digital invitations and ‘ping and book’ reminders through the NHS App and plans to introduce DIY self-sampling kits to improve uptake.
• This change forms part of a broader strategy, alongside HPV vaccination, to eliminate cervical cancer in England by 2040.