To be disappointed cervical screening is now every 5 years in Scotland

[Sofayr]

I just called my doctors surgery to arrange for my smear test as I’m overdue and hadn’t received a letter to be told the smear tests are now every 5 years instead of 3. This is for women of all ages.

Obviously if you have symptoms a test is available but there are many women who are asymptomatic so I find this quite frightening!

I guess it depends why this is the policy. Maybe research says 5 years is enough to pick it up. Or maybe there isn't enough cash. Probably the latter. Usual story.

It's five years if you were HPV negative at the last test and yearly if you were HPV positive. It's good news for you individually, that you have been classed as very low risk.

The policy changed because of increased information and an increase in the proportion of the population who are vaccinated. The risk of developing cervical cancer in 3 years, without HPV, is very, very low.

Basically, the risk is so low in HPV negative people, that the balance between finding disease and the distress caused by flagging up abnormal cells (which without HPV will just revert to normal in most cases) doesn't go in favour of more regular screening.

I've just my letter today after smear and it says I will be called on 2029...so yes 5 years

A smear test isn't a diagnostic test, it's a screening test. If you have symptoms you need diagnostic tests to rule out problems, you shouldn't just rely on a smear

Also while HPV is extremely common most of us clear it quickly and by no means everyone who has it will go on to develop cervical cancer. Your lifetime risk of the disease is 0.65%. So 99% no risk. Cervical cancer is not rampant.