Future optimisation of cervical screening

Extending screening intervals

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has recommended the extension of the screening intervals from three to five years for individuals aged 25 to 49 who test HPV negative as part of their routine screen test. 

Scotland, Wales and England have since extended their screening intervals in line with the UK NSC recommendation. Northern Ireland may align their programme in the future too. To ensure public acceptability of an increased screening interval, it’s important to provide people with information about the rationale for any change¹

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For further information, read our article explaining England’s 2025 update to cervical screening intervals. 

Self-sampling 

People can take their own vaginal swab (without a speculum) or urine sample at home or in a clinic to test for HPV. It’s not currently a routine part of the cervical screening programmes in the UK, but it’s been recommended by the UK National Screening Committee as an option for people who never or rarely participate in cervical screening.  

There are plans to implement self-sampling to people who’ve not responded to their invite to cervical screening in England.  Read more in the announcement. 

Studies suggest that self-sampling could support non-attenders to participate in cervical screening²

³⁴.  Research to understand the accuracy of self-sampling tests suggest similar sensitivity for HPV between clinician-collected and self-collected samples⁵⁶⁷. 

However, more research is needed to better understand the feasibility of introducing self-sampling into cervical screening programmes, including clinical and cost effectiveness, as well as any impact on inequalities.  

There are some key studies that have been completed or are ongoing: 

YouScreen 

The YouScreen trial found most participants reported high confidence in self-sampling and would opt for the method in the future⁴

⁷. Preferences were high for people from ethnic minority groups, those who were overdue for screening and those who had never attended cervical screening. Read more in our blog. 

HPValidate  

The HPValidate trial assessed different self-sampling devices and user acceptability. Although 69% of participants reported they’d complete self-sampling again in the future, 85% of participants wanted a choice between clinician screening and self-sampling⁸

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Papillomavirus Dumfries and Galloway study (PaVDaG)  

The Papillomavirus Dumfries and Galloway study (PaVDaG)sent self-sampling kits to cervical screening non-responders and found high sensitivity for cervical cancer, although it was slightly lower compared to clinician-taken samples⁹

. Long-term outcomes suggested that a three to five year interval may also be safe for self-samples¹⁰. 

Alternative CErvical Screening (ACES)  

The ACES Colposcopy study compared the sensitivity of urine and cervical samples for high-grade (CIN2+) detection in a colposcopy setting. Urine collected using a first void urine-collection device had promising sensitivity for CIN2+ detection compared with clinician obtained cervical samples, and urine-based self-sampling was mostly acceptable to patients in this population¹¹

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Papcup 

Papcup is an early-stage innovation that tests for high-risk HPV strains in menstrual blood. The test can be taken at home, with a full test report generated within 15 minutes. This research is at a very early stage, and there is still a long way to go with test refinement and progression to clinical trials.  Find out more in our Cancer News article. 

Wider interventions which could optimise cervical screening 

• Targeted education, information and awareness raising initiatives, with a particular focus on underscreened populations, may improve participation¹²

  Descamps P. et al. Turning the tide—Recommendations to increase cervical cancer screening among women who are underscreened. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2024. 

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• Support workers have been found to be effective in improving cervical screening uptake across different socioeconomic and ethnic groups, with successful interventions delivered in person at clinical or community settings. See What works? Key recommendations in this HEEC leaflet  

• Work with faith or community leaders in order to reach underscreened groups and educate them about the reasons for screening. 

• Ensure screening is offered in convenient places/settings and at convenient times, ensuring the consultation room is as comfortable as possible. 

• Health systems could work with local workplaces to share cancer screening information and ensure employers can support employee participation¹³

  Mon, H.M., Robb, K.A. & Demou, E. Effectiveness of workplace cancer screening interventions: a systematic review. BMC Cancer, 2024. 

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• Use HPV vaccination as an opportunity to educate young people about cervical cancer prevention and the need for screening.

• Remote tools such as sending educational videos or online booking may support screening participation whilst limiting administrative burden¹⁴

  Haith L, et al. A Retrospective Observational Study on the Impact of Digital Strategies to Boost Cervical Screening Uptake in Primary Care. Cancer Control. 2025. 

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Read more about cervical screening