Key Issues
Inequality in screening coverage – Nationally, cervical screening coverage has decreased for both age groups over the last decade. Screening coverage for 25 – 49-year-olds has had a 5.7% decrease since 2014[5]. This decrease is 3.5% for 50 – 64-year-olds[6]. Whilst screening coverage is decreasing in general, coverage has not been equal across the eligible population, and this is the case in North Tyneside with coverage for 2023/24 ranging from 69.5% - 83.3% for 25 – 49-year-olds[7] and 69.9% - 84.4% for 50 – 64-year-olds[8].
There is variation within coverage of the cervical screening programmes, with some of this variation associated with deprivation, with lower coverage in communities experiencing more deprivation. As screening aims to prevent and diagnose cervical cancer at an early stage when prognosis is best, not accessing screening exacerbates inequalities in morbidity and mortality in communities with high deprivation. Screening coverage is also lower for those with a learning disability or a severe mental illness. The Health Equity Audit (HEA) published by North East North Cumbria Integrated Care System (NENC ICS) reported the 5-year coverage up to 2019 in North Tyneside, identifying a 32% coverage difference for those with a learning disability compared to the general population[9].
Adapting the National Screening Programme for Local Implementation – - All national screening programmes are overseen by the National Screening Committee and commissioned through NHS England to ensure a universal offer to those eligible. This consistency ensures quality however it can present challenges where a tailored offer for certain cohorts may be beneficial.
5.Cervical screening coverage (2023/4). Available at: Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care [accessed 10/6/2025]
6.Cervical screening coverage (2023/4). Available at: Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care [accessed 10/6/2025]
7.Cervical screening coverage in North Tyneside (2023/4) Available at: Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care [accessed 11/6/2025]
8.Cervical screening coverage in North Tyneside (2023/4) Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care [accessed 11/6/2025]
9. Moffat M, Wright E, Neilson F (2022) A Cervical Screening Health Equity Audit for the North East and North Cumbria. Available upon request: england.cane.screeningimms@nhs.net