Changing the cervical screening test to improve outcomes for women - consultation

The National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) is seeking public views on changing the primary cervical cancer screening test.

Currently cervical screening involves analysing cells from the cervix on a slide to identify any changes in the cells of the cervix.

With the HPV (human papillomavirus) test showing considerable promise in reducing invasive cervical cancer and lowering the number of deaths from cervical cancer, the NCSP is now considering introducing it as the primary testing tool for cervical cancer screening.

The purpose of the Primary HPV Testing Consultation is to ensure that all people with an interest in cervical screening:

• are fully informed of changes being proposed for the current method of cervical screening
• have the opportunity to consider and provide feedback on the proposed changes
• will be informed of the outcomes of consultation and decisions for change.

The outcomes of the consultation phase will inform the next phases of the project.

The consultation closed on Friday 23rd October 2015.