From 19 to 24 June 2025, the UK observes Cervical Screening Awareness Week, a vital national campaign designed to support eligible women and people with a cervix in attending cervical screening (smear tests) to prevent cervical cancer. Despite cervical screening preventing up to 75% of cases, one in four people in the UK currently miss their appointments.
Why Cervical Screening Matter
Cervical screening is one of the most effective public health interventions:
- It prevents approximately 70–75% of cervical cancers through early detection and treatment of abnormal cell.
- Since organised screening began in the late 1980s, the incidence and mortality from cervical cancer in the UK have fallen by around 75%.
- Almost 99.8% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV infection, but early detection hugely reduces progression.
Despite these gains, screening uptake remains suboptimal — around one in four eligible individuals are not attending, raising concerns about health inequalities and preventable loss of life.
Common Barriers and Misconceptions
Reasons for not attending include:
- Fear and embarrassment around the procedure
- Lack of awareness about screening intervals or invitation confusion.
- Anxiety over results, causing avoidance of screening
Screening is quick, free, and aimed at preventing—not just detecting—cervical cancer. Early treatment of cell changes is highly effective.
What You Need to Know About Screening
- Who it’s for: People with a cervix aged 25 to 64 in the UK are invited—every three years until age 49, and then every five years until age 64
- Latest method: Includes HPV testing, which is more sensitive and accurate in detecting risk
- Procedure: A small brush collects cervical cells—usually a two-minute test carried out by a nurse or GP. It may feel uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt
- Follow-up: If HPV is found, further testing or colposcopy is offered. Most samples return to routine screening intervals.
Cervical Screening Awareness Week: How to Get Involved
Here are ways to support and encourage uptake during the week:
- Check your screening status — Book an appointment if you’re due or overdue.
- Invite others — Encourage friends, family, or colleagues to attend and offer to go with them.
- Share accurate information — Use social media to dispel fear, explain procedures, and highlight support available.
- Host educational sessions — Organise drop-ins or talks at workplaces or community centres.
- Support local clinics — Meet-day outreach and easy-read materials help increase accessibility and attendance
Support in North Tyneside
North Tyneside clinics and GP practices — Offer accessible cervical screening appointments.
Living Well North Tyneside — Visit for health groups, workshops, or information on women’s health services.
Healthwatch North Tyneside — Use local feedback channels to improve screening access: healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk
Macmillan and Cancer Research UK — Provide support for those anxious about screening or cancer diagnosis.
Final Thoughts: Attendance Matters
Cervical Screening Awareness Week 2025 reminds us that delaying or avoiding screening could have serious consequences. These few minutes can catch cell changes early, preventing cancer development and saving lives.
If you’re eligible, make time this week to book or attend your test—and help share awareness and reassurance with others.
