In July 2020, I attended my cervical smear test after exactly three years. The results were my test coming back HPV positive, and further biopsies revealed I had CIN 3—the highest grade of pre-cancerous cells before cervical cancer. If such results can develop within just three years, five years is far too long to wait for the next screening. I believe extending the interval to five years will cost people their lives.

NHS cervical screenings play a critical role in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. With approximately 3,200 new cases diagnosed annually in the UK, accounting for 2% of all new cancer cases in females, it is pivotal to maintain a rigorous screening schedule. The five-year interval was introduced with the intention of aligning with newer testing methodologies and resources. However, individual cases like mine demonstrate the unintended risks posed by this extended gap.

Timely screenings enable early intervention, significantly reducing the likelihood of cancer developing and saving precious lives. For individuals who test positive for HPV, this is especially true, as changes can occur quickly and without warning.

A return to the three-year screening timeline is not just a precaution—it's an evidence-based necessity. It can be the difference between catching a condition in a pre-cancerous stage or allowing it to progress unchecked into a life-threatening disease.

For the continued health and safety of individuals across the nation, I urge NHS policymakers to reconsider and revert the cervical screening interval back to three years. Sign this petition to bring about this crucial change and help safeguard lives from preventable deaths due to cervical cancer. Your voice matters.