Last week, NHS England confirmed a significant change to their cervical screening programme: if you’re a woman aged 25–64 who tests negative for HPV (human papillomavirus) you will now be invited for your routine smear test every five years, instead of every three.
Understandably, this change has caused concern among women who see three-yearly cervical screening as one of the most vital ways to reduce the risk of getting cancer.
Extending the time between tests might sound risky, but the change is based on clear data and science and aims to reduce unnecessary screenings and procedures. The updated screening programme now focuses primarily on HPV testing, rather than only looking for abnormal cervical cells. That’s because research shows that HPV screening is more accurate at recognising women who are at risk of developing cervical cancer, and those who aren’t.
Here, we look at the reasons behind the changes to the regularity in testing, and what this could mean for you.
Does a negative HPV test mean you are at low risk of cervical cancer?
In most cases, yes. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by an infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). These types of HPV can cause abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, and over time these can develop into cancer.
Routine screening under the NHS now starts with an HPV test, rather than simply checking for abnormal cervical cells. If no high-risk HPV is found, then your risk of developing cervical cancer in the next few years is very low. If you are low-risk, NHS guidelines now suggest that it’s safe to wait five years until your next test.
At the Medical Chambers Kensington, we have always taken a personalised approach to all aspects of women’s healthcare, including smear tests. That means we would offer you a cervical screening at intervals based on previous results and your medical history, rather than age alone.
What causes HPV and can you protect yourself against it?
HPV is very common and easily passed on through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Most people will get some form of HPV in their lifetime, but they probably won’t even know they’ve had it, because their body clears it naturally.
In some people, however, high-risk HPV types don't disappear, and can cause cell changes in the cervix.
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent HPV entirely, but the HPV vaccine offers excellent protection against the strains most likely to cause cervical cancer. We would advise giving children the HPV vaccine long before they are sexually active, ideally in between the ages of 9-13. The NHS offer this vaccination in schools, and there are cases where they can vaccinate people who are older, too.
Can you still get cervical cancer if you test negative for HPV?
It’s unlikely. The NHS switch to HPV testing is backed by research that shows that if you test negative for high-risk HPV, your chance of developing cervical cancer in the next five years is extremely low. It’s considered more accurate than the traditional method of looking only at cervical cells.
That’s why the NHS is confident in extending the gap between screenings for women who test negative. It means fewer tests, fewer false alarms, and less unnecessary anxiety.
If you’ve had the HPV vaccination, do you still need a cervical smear?
Yes. While the HPV vaccine is highly effective (estimates suggest it reduces the risk of cervical cancer by around 90% if given before exposure to the virus) it doesn’t protect against all types of HPV, and it won’t reverse an infection that’s already present.
That means that even if you’ve been vaccinated, it’s still very important that you have regular cervical screening. The combination of the vaccination and HPV screening gives you the best possible protection, especially when accompanied with expert advice if anything changes.
What if you still want to have a smear test every three years?
At our clinic, we understand that screening is not one-size-fits-all .
While NHS guidance now recommends five-yearly tests for women who test negative for HPV, you may still prefer to be screened more frequently, especially if you feel it gives you added peace of mind. Maybe you’ve had abnormal results in the past. Maybe you just feel more secure knowing things are being checked regularly.
Our team of GPs and Consultant Gynaecologists can help you decide what’s right for you. If you’d like to continue having a smear test every three years, we’re here to discuss this more tailored approach to women’s healthcare with you.
Ultimately, when it comes to cervical screening our aim is simple: to ensure that any cancer that can be prevented is prevented, with the right screening at the right time.
When might you want to see a gynaecologist at our clinic?
Routine screening is vital, but it doesn’t cover everything—and cervical cancer doesn’t always show symptoms early on. That’s why it’s so important to know your body and flag anything unusual.
You might want to speak to a Consultant Gynaecolgist if you experience:
- Bleeding that’s not normal for you, such as:
- after sex
- between periods
- after the menopause
- Unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge
- Painful sex
These symptoms don’t always point to cervical cancer, and there are many other possible causes, including infections or hormonal changes. However, you should always seek expert medical advice if you’re noticing anything that’s not normal for you.
If it turns out that your symptoms call for a smear test sooner than scheduled, we can arrange that during your consultation.
Visit our London clinic for your cervical screening?
Whether you follow the new NHS guidance or prefer more frequent screenings at a private clinic such as The Medical Chambers Kensington, we’re here to help you feel confident, informed, and supported in your healthcare decisions.
Our team of GPs and Consultant Gynaecologists are here to talk through your options and guide you to the care that’s right for you. To find out more please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online