Cervical Smear Frequency For Women Aged 25-49 Is Changing
From 1st July 2025 Cervical Smear Tests For Women Aged 25-49 is Changing
From the 1st July 2025, younger women aged 25-49 who test negative for HPV, meaning they are at very low risk of cervical cancer over the next 10 years, will safely be invited at 5 year intervals rather than 3 year intervals, in line with major 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 if HPV has cleared and if not, if any cell changes have developed.
The NHS has this week rolled-out digital invitations and reminders for cervical screening via the NHS App, as part of a new ‘ping and book’ service to boost uptake and help save thousands of lives.
Eligible women will first receive a notification through the app to alert them to book a screening appointment, followed by a text message if the app notification isn’t opened.
Studies* (*led by King’s College London researchers and published in the BMJ in 2022 have shown that if a person tests negative for HPV they are extremely unlikely to go on to develop cervical cancer within the next decade, leading to a UK National Screening Committee recommendation to offer more personalised intervals for women based on their risk.
Cervical Smear Frequency For Women Aged 25-49
HPV negative, no recent HPV history = 5 year recall.
HPV negative with prior HPV+ in the last 5 years = 3 year recall.
HPV positive, no cytology changes = 1 year recall.
HPV positive + cytology abnormal = Colposcopy.