Cervical Screening Week

“This awareness week,

which runs from 19th to 24th June 2025, aims to boost participation in cervical screening and to offer clear information and reassurance about the process”.

“Every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer globally. In the UK, two women lose their lives to this preventable disease each day. Yet, one in three women still does not attend their cervical screening appointment even though early detection can prevent up to 75% of cases”.

Key Updates to Screening Guidelines:

England: Women aged 25–49 are currently invited every 3 years; those aged 50–64 every 5 years.
From 1 July 2025: All eligible women in England will be invited every 5 years, unless they’re at higher risk due to HPV (human papillomavirus) or abnormal cell changes.

“It was said that regular cervical screening can prevent up to 75% of cervical cancer cases. And that despite its effectiveness, many women are hesitant to attend their screening appointments due to various factors like emotional and cultural barriers, time limitation, and lack of appointment/ no hospital.

The Participants were encouraged to prioritise their wellbeing and that of others around them by taking time to book appointments for their cervical screening.

The screening test detects high-risk HPV, a virus responsible for nearly all cervical cancers. Identifying this virus early helps pinpoint those at greater risk of developing abnormal cervical cells, which, if left untreated, could lead to cancer. Fortunately, these cell changes can be treated before they become serious”.

Two questions were asked, one of them was, “Do you have ways to bring up HPV or cervical screening with friends or families without it feeling awkward?”

60% of participants said they do have ways to do so, while the remaining 40% said that they do not have ways to bring up HPV or cervical cancer screening with friends and family.

Additionally, 50% of participants, said, emotional and cultural barriers, hinder them from participating in cervical screening as against 25% for “no hospital /GP appointment” and “I do not have the time”.

Some of the issues discussed, are as below;

Emotional discomfort: Fear, embarrassment, or anxiety about the procedure itself or what the results might reveal.
Practical challenges: Difficulty booking appointments, inconvenient clinic hours, lack of childcare, or transportation issues.
Cultural and personal beliefs: Some people may feel stigma, especially in communities where discussing sexual health is taboo. Others may believe they’re not at risk due to sexual orientation or relationship status.
Past trauma or negative experiences: A history of sexual abuse or a painful previous screening can make someone reluctant to return.
Lack of awareness or misinformation: Some people don’t know what cervical screening is for, or they think it’s unnecessary if they feel healthy or have had the HPV vaccine.
Healthcare system barriers: Limited access to female practitioners, language barriers, or a lack of trust in the healthcare system can also play a role.

It was also discussed that normalising this conversation about HPV or cervical screening could make people feel more comfortable.