This Cervical Screening Awareness Week (19 – 24 June 2023), we’re encouraging anyone who has received an invitation for cervical screening to book their appointment now.

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves thousands of lives every year by checking for high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that cause nearly all cervical cancers.

High-risk HPV testing (performed at your cervical screening) is a more sensitive and accurate test than the previous method and is the best way to find out who is at higher risk of developing the cervical cell changes that over time could potentially lead to cervical cancer.

Even if you’ve been vaccinated against HPV, it’s still important that you attend your cervical screening appointment when invited. Combined with the HPV vaccine, cervical screening could make cervical cancer a thing of the past.

Every screening we do is potentially saving a life. If you missed your last cervical screening, book an appointment with your GP practice now – it is not too late and the NHS is here to support you.

If you’ve received your invitation, call your GP practice to book as soon as possible – evening and weekend appointments may be available. Some local sexual health services also offer cervical screening.