According to research by Macmillan Cancer Support, one in every four women don’t attend their cervical screening test, and London has some of the lowest rates in the country, standing at just 65.7% of eligible individuals (NHS Digital, 2021). The reasons for this can be varied, from a general lack of awareness about cervical screening through to concern about the test itself or a potential diagnosis.

19-24 June is Cervical Screening Awareness Week, raising the profile of the important role of cervical screening in early diagnosis, treatment and improved patient outcomes.

As part of our joint leadership of the London Cancer Screening Improvement Board alongside NHS England, we’ve been implementing a number of interventions across the city to increase rates of cervical screening. These include: quarterly Integrated Care Board (ICB) and practice level data reports to monitor screening uptake on a local level; the introduction of good practice screening guides offering practical screening advice to practices using evidence-based recommendations; and supporting national and regional NHS campaigns to encourage the uptake of cervical screening.

You can read more about our cancer screening work here