Hi all I hope you don’t mind me posting but I have created a petition against the decision which is being rolled out in July by the NHS England so change smear tests to 5 years instead of 3. I would like to list some strong points into why this change is so important. I hope this helps to show and understand the importance of this petition.
• The HPV test is now the primary screening tool, as it’s more sensitive than previous smear tests at detecting the virus that causes most cervical cancers. that while rare, non-HPV cervical cancers do occur, though they represent a very small percentage. But still a small percentage.
• If high-risk HPV is not found, cervical cells are not examined meaning abnormal cell changes can go undetected if unrelated to HPV. this approach reduces unnecessary interventions and over-treatment but does carry a small risk of missing rare, HPV-negative abnormalities.
• Although rare, documented cases show that cervical cancer can occasionally develop within 3 years of an HPV-negative result.
• The HPV vaccine was only introduced in 2008 and initially offered to girls aged 12–13. Most women currently aged 30–49 were not eligible for the school vaccination program and remain unvaccinated. Recent NHS data confirms that vaccine uptake in this older age group is significantly lower, making regular screening essential for early detection. The current screening change reduces protection for the very group still most at risk
• The HPV vaccine was rolled out in September 2008. Research has shown that the HPV vaccine when provided reduces cervical cancer incidents by up to 90%. However, the current 3-year screening provides extra protection at early detection to the 10% where the chance is not reduced. Screening every 3 years remains an important safety net, particularly for those who were not vaccinated or are in the small percentage for whom the vaccine is less effective
• The change was not widely communicated or consulted on, leaving many people confused. Based on conversations with nurse practitioners and GPs, it appears some were unaware of the screening change
• Some GPs contacted about the change after it was announced were not aware of it, with some even quoting the original rule of screening every 3 years.
• Early cervical cancers and pre-cancerous cell changes don't usually have symptoms. Not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will have symptoms. This is why it’s extremely important to keep the cervical smear test to 3 years. There are cases out there where cervical cancer has developed within 3 years of them having a previous clear smear test.
• If you test negative for HPV the risk of developing cervical cancer in the next 10 years is extremely low but not impossible. Even if rare, the risk of missed cases could be life-threatening and deserves thorough public health consideration.
• This is causing extreme health anxiety for women especially for ones who have had previous experiences with pre-cancerous cells or cervical cancer. Unfortunately, this will see an increase in women who will now pay privately to have their smears. This could make things harder for women who can’t afford private tests and feel like they’re being left behind.
• In the 2023–2024 NHS England annual report, only 68.8% of women were screened within the recommended timeframe. Extending the smear test interval could lead to even fewer women attending. Many already delay due to busy lives, meaning a 3-year interval often becomes 4. If the official gap becomes 5 years, missed or postponed appointments could easily turn that into 6 years or more — increasing the risk of late detection. We should be encouraging women to attend, not creating more time between checks.
Please continue to share, repost, and spread the word about this petition. Your support truly makes a difference. Together, we can raise our voices and push for meaningful change.
🔗 www.change.org/stopthesmearchange
I am also trying to speak to anyone who has a story where they feel this change would have resulted in a different outcome. If you have a story or know someone who has please ask them to get in touch or to email [email protected]