Cervical screening

Cervical screening checks for changes that can be treated before cancer develops. In the NHS programme, your sample is first tested for high-risk types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. If these are found, the sample is checked for cell changes that may need treatment to prevent cervical cancer.

The cervix is the opening of the womb into the vagina, and screening involves taking a sample from it. New bleeding or discharge needs a medical appointment even if your next screening date is far away. Screening is a separate check.

Check the programme and your invitation

Advice has changed recently. From 1 July 2025, England extended the gap between routine screening invitations from 3 to 5 years for people aged 25 to 49 whose screening test did not find HPV. Routine invitations in England cover ages 25 to 64. An earlier date already given, or a need for closer follow-up, can still apply. Follow the date your screening service gives you.

The US uses different guidance. The table describes routine screening for people at average risk who have no symptoms. A history of cervical cancer, significant precancerous cell changes or a weakened immune system can require a separate plan. Ask your clinician which recommendation and test they are using.

Programme or guidance	Routine approach
England, ages 25 to 64	Invitations usually every 5 years; individual follow-up can be sooner.
US USPSTF, ages 21 to 29	Cervical cytology, often called a Pap test, every 3 years.
US ACOG, ages 30–65	Primary HPV testing every five years is preferred; patient-collected HPV testing every three years is an option.
US USPSTF, ages 30 to 65	HPV testing alone every 5 years, cytology alone every 3 years, or both together every 5 years.

Each row follows the guidance of the organisation named, so the schedules differ. ACOG’s newer advice adds self-collection and prefers primary HPV testing. Your test type matters when arranging the next appointment. In other UK nations and other countries, ask the local programme for its current invitation and follow-up rules.

What happens after self-sampling

In England, HPV self-testing is offered to eligible people who have not attended when invited. A kit is sent to their preferred address; they collect a sample and post it to the laboratory. This offer does not replace clinician-collected screening for everyone.

A self-collected HPV sample cannot complete every part of follow-up. In England, if HPV is found, a clinician takes a cervical sample for further testing and checks of the cells. In the US, ACOG says self-collection needs a service able to communicate results and arrange follow-up. Ask how results will reach you before using a kit.

Making a clinic appointment more manageable

During clinician-collected screening, a nurse or doctor puts a speculum into the vagina to see the cervix and uses a soft brush to take the sample. You can ask for a smaller speculum, a different position or someone to come with you. You can ask to stop at any time.

If you are a trans man or non-binary and have a cervix, screening still applies. In England, GP registration details can affect automatic invitations. Contact your GP surgery, sexual health service or transgender health clinic if invitations are missing. Having sex only with women does not remove cervical cancer risk.

Results and getting the right help

The message with your results explains whether HPV was found and what happens next. Follow-up may involve another sample or a colposcopy, a closer examination of the cervix. Ask the screening team to explain your own result and appointment plan; the general intervals above cannot replace those instructions.

Contact the clinic or GP surgery if your results have not arrived when expected. Book a GP appointment in the UK, or see your doctor in the US or elsewhere, for bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause, or unusual vaginal discharge. Do not wait for the next screening invitation.