Health officials in England have announced a major change to the NHS smear test protocol for women. Starting in July, women aged 25 to 49 who are considered low risk for cervical cancer will now be screened every five years instead of every three. This change could affect up to seven million women.

The decision to extend the screening interval follows recommendations by the UK National Screening Committee and aligns with the current practice for women aged 50 to 64 in England. The new approach involves testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to almost all cervical cancers.

If the HPV test is negative, women will not need further screening for five years. However, those who test positive for HPV will continue to receive regular check-ups to monitor any cell changes.

Studies have shown that women who test negative for HPV are at very low risk of developing cervical cancer in the next decade. Experts at King's College London have confirmed that the new five-year screening cycle is just as effective as the previous three-year cycle in detecting cervical cancers.

England's move to a five-year screening interval brings it in line with Scotland and Wales, which have already adopted this change based on the UK National Screening Committee's recommendation. NHS data from 2011 shows that cervical screening uptake was at its highest that year but has declined over time.

Campaigners have welcomed the new protocol, noting that it will make appointments more manageable for women. Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England, emphasized the importance of reducing the frequency of screenings and providing compassionate care to patients.

During a cervical screening exam, healthcare professionals collect cells from the cervix to test for HPV. If abnormal cells are detected, further tests are conducted to assess the risk of cancer. Women with abnormal results may undergo a colposcopy to examine the cervix more closely.

HPV is usually harmless, but certain strains can lead to cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV has been available for girls since 2008 and for boys since 2019. Each year, around 3,300 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK, resulting in 850 deaths.

Reality TV star Jade Goody's death from cervical cancer in 2009 raised awareness about the importance of regular screenings. Although initial uptake of smear tests increased after her passing, participation has declined in recent years.