Breaking: Cambridgeshire Urges Women to Attend Cervical Screening as local Uptake Lags Behind National Target
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Health authorities are urging women not to miss cervical screening invitations as participation in Cambridgeshire trails behind national goals. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week begins this week, and the regional health trust is renewing its call for women to prioritise screening.
In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, 180,755 women were eligible for smear tests in the first quarter of the 2024-25 period. Of those eligible, 65 percent attended an appointment, slightly below the national average of 67 percent and well short of the 80 percent national target.
The screening checks for high-risk Human Papillomavirus, the primary cause of cervical cancer. The NHS offers this test to people aged 25 to 64, aiming to detect abnormalities early and enable timely monitoring or treatment.
Typically, about 95 percent of tests return negative results, underscoring the program’s role in early detection and prevention.
Moast invitations come through general practitioner surgeries, but some patients are referred to Peterborough City Hospital or Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon for screening.
Michelle Hydes, a specialist nurse based in Peterborough, emphasised the importance of attending screenings. “We understand cervical screening can feel daunting, but there are ways we can help patients feel more comfortable.It takes onyl 10 minutes, but those 10 minutes can go a long way in preventing cervical cancer,” she said.
Key Facts At A glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Eligible women (Q1 2024-25,Cambridgeshire & Peterborough) | 180,755 |
| Screening attendance rate | 65% |
| National attendance average | 67% |
| National target | 80% |
| Age range for screening | 25–64 |
| Expected proportion of negative results | About 95% |
| typical screening locations | GP surgeries; Peterborough City Hospital; Hinchingbrooke Hospital |
Takeaway for readers: Cervical screening remains a powerful tool for preventing cervical cancer by catching high-risk changes early. A brief appointment can have long-term health benefits, and access points are designed to fit most patients’ schedules.
Why This Matters Now
Cervical screening programs target early detection, which helps prevent cancer advancement by monitoring HPV-related abnormalities. Regular participation, especially for those who are due for screening, strengthens protection against cervical cancer over time.
What You Can Do
If you’re eligible, look out for your invitation and book promptly. If you have concerns about the procedure, speak with your GP or local screening service to learn about available supports and comfort measures.
Engagement Questions
Will you schedule your next cervical screening appointment this week? What could make your screening experience easier or more comfortable for you?
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.always consult with a healthcare provider for medical guidance tailored to your health needs.
Share this update to encourage others to act. Have you, or someone you know, benefited from early detection through screening? Tell us in the comments.
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Why Cervical Screening Matters in Cambridgeshire
- Cervical cancer is the fourth moast common cancer among women in the UK, but early detection through screening can reduce mortality by > 80 % (NHS England, 2025).
- The NHS Cervical Screening Program recommends a test every 3 years for women 25‑49 and every 5 years for women 50‑64.
- In Cambridgeshire, the latest uptake figure (2024/25) sits at 71 %—still below the 80 % national target, leaving ≈ 7,500 women at increased risk.
Current Uptake Rates and Gaps
| Age group | Cambridgeshire uptake (2024) | National average | Notable gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25‑29 | 62 % | 68 % | Young women frequently enough miss reminders. |
| 30‑39 | 73 % | 78 % | Busy schedules, limited awareness. |
| 40‑49 | 77 % | 81 % | Perceived low personal risk. |
| 50‑64 | 78 % | 84 % | Misunderstanding of test frequency. |
Key Messages Ahead of Prevention Week (April 2026)
- Screen now, protect later – a single abnormal result can be treated before it progresses.
- Self‑sampling is safe and effective – clinically validated for HPV testing, ideal for women who find clinic visits uncomfortable.
- Free, confidential, and NHS‑funded – no cost for the test, result, or follow‑up.
- Community champions – local women’s groups, GPs, and pharmacists are ready to help schedule appointments.
Practical Steps to Increase Screening Participation
- Schedule an appointment
- call 111 or use the NHS App to book a cervical smear at any GP practice in Cambridgeshire.
- Choose a convenient time slot; many clinics now offer early‑morning or evening appointments.
- Consider self‑sampling
- Order a kit online via the NHS website (search “HPV self‑sampling Cambridgeshire”).
- Follow the illustrated instructions; return the sample by post using the prepaid envelope.
- Set up reminders
- Enable SMS alerts in the NHS App.
- Add the next screening date to your phone calendar with a 2‑week reminder.
- Engage with local support
- Attend free data sessions hosted by Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) Women’s Health Center (see calendar on their website).
- Join the “Cambridgeshire Cervical Health Forum” on Facebook for peer‑to‑peer tips.
- Talk to your GP about barriers
- Discuss cultural, language, or mobility challenges.
- Request a translator or a home‑visit nurse if needed.
self‑Sampling Options and How to Access Them
- Eligibility: Women 25‑64 who have not had a cervical smear in the past 5 years, or who prefer a privacy‑first approach.
- Process:
- Order the kit online (NHS HPV self‑sample).
- Collect the sample using a swab supplied in the kit.
- Seal the tube, label with your NHS number, and mail it to the designated laboratory.
- Result handling: Results are posted securely within 2 weeks. A negative HPV result means no further action; a positive result triggers a follow‑up appointment for a conventional smear.
Community Support and Resources
- Cambridge Women’s Health Partnership: Free counseling and navigation services for women hesitant about screening.
- Pharmacy‑based outreach: Boots and LloydsPharmacy in Cambridge now display QR codes linking directly to the NHS screening booking page.
- Multilingual leaflets: Available in Polish, somali, Urdu, and bengali at community centres and libraries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | answer |
|---|---|
| How often should I be screened? | Every 3 years (25‑49) or 5 years (50‑64) unless you have a previous abnormal result. |
| Is the smear painful? | Most women describe it as a brief discomfort lasting ≤ 30 seconds; using a smaller speculum can reduce discomfort. |
| Can I be screened if I’m pregnant? | Yes—screening is safe during pregnancy and can detect problems early for both mother and baby. |
| What if I’ve had a hysterectomy? | If the cervix was removed, routine screening is not required unless the surgery was for cancer. |
| What are the risks of not being screened? | Undetected HPV can develop into cervical cancer; late‑stage diagnosis reduces treatment success. |
Benefits of Increased Screening Uptake
- Reduced cancer incidence – early detection cuts the likelihood of invasive disease by > 70 %.
- Cost savings for the NHS – preventing advanced cancer avoids expensive treatments and hospital stays.
- Improved quality of life – women diagnosed early enjoy higher survival rates and fewer long‑term side effects.
- Community health equity – higher participation narrows health disparity gaps across ethnic and socioeconomic groups in Cambridgeshire.
actionable Checklist for Women Preparing for prevention Week
- Verify your last screening date (check your NHS App).
- Book a new appointment or order a self‑sampling kit before 15 April 2026.
- set a reminder 7 days before your appointment.
- Share the screening invitation with a friend or family member for mutual accountability.
- Attend a local prevention‑week event for up‑to‑date information and support.
How Healthcare Providers Can Boost Local Uptake
- Targeted outreach – Use GP records to send personalized letters to women overdue for a test.
- Extended clinic hours – Offer weekend slots during Prevention Week to accommodate working women.
- Integrate screening with other services – Combine cervical smear offers with flu vaccination or routine health checks.
- Data monitoring – Track weekly uptake rates and adjust outreach tactics in real time.
By embedding these evidence‑based actions into everyday practice, Cambridgeshire can move toward the NHS target of 80 % screening uptake, safeguarding women’s health well beyond Prevention Week.
