Cervical Cancer screening

Early detection and diagnosis of cervical cancer significantly improves the prognosis. Around 95% of people diagnosed with stage 1 cancer will survive their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis. Compared to stage 4 cancer where around 15% will survive their cancer for 5 years or more after being diagnosed³. Uptake for cervical screening varies across the eligible population, with higher uptake among older, White British women, those not reporting a disability and from less deprived communities[14]. 

HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer. Around 14 types of HPV are considered high risk for cervical cancer. Two of these types (HPV 16 and HPV 18) cause about 70% of all cervical cancer cases². Individuals who have not received the HPV vaccine remain at higher risk of persistent HPV infection and subsequent cervical cancer. Those from communities with historically low vaccine uptake—such as some ethnic minority groups, those living in areas of deprivation, or young people not in mainstream education—may be disproportionately at risk[15].

The risk of cervical cancer may be increased in women who have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) alongside HPV. Women with both HPV and chlamydia might have a higher risk of cervical cancer². Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women without HIV [16].

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:

• smoking tobacco, this weakens the immune system making the body less able to get rid of HPV.
• Age, (cervical cancer is most common in women and people (with a cervix) under the age of 45)
• Long-term use of the contraceptive pill is also linked to a slightly higher risk of developing cervical cancer; taking it for more than five years can increase this risk. However, the risk begins to decline once you stop using the pill.
• A family history of cervical cancer can also raise risk—particularly for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)—if a mother, sister, or daughter has been diagnosed with the disease.
• Multiple sexual partners and sexual debut at a young age² [17].

[14] NHS population screening inequalities strategy. Available at:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-population-screening-inequalities-strategy/phe-screening-inequalities-strategy [accessed 12/6/2025]

[15] National Immunisation Programme: health equity audit (2021). Available at: National Immunisation Programme: health equity audit [accessed 12/6/2025]

[16] World Health Organisation cervical cancer facts. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer#:~:text=Cervical%20cancer%20is%20caused%20by,compared%20to%20women%20without%20HIV. [accessed 13/6/2025]

[17] NHS good practice guidance for sample takers. Available at: NHS Cervical Screening Programme – Good practice guidance for sample takers - GOV.UK [accessed 13/6/2025]