Each January, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of cervical screening and early detection. With recent changes to the NHS cervical screening programme and increased availability of home HPV self-testing kits, many women are understandably seeking reassurance about what these developments mean for their own health.
To help clarify these changes, Miss Amanda Ali, Consultant Gynaecologist and certified Colposcopist at New Victoria Hospital, explains what HPV is, how cervical screening works, and how recent screening changes affect different women. She also explores the role of home testing, when it can be helpful, and when seeing a Gynaecologist remains important - particularly for reassurance, symptoms, or individual concerns.
What is HPV, and how common is it?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is extremely common. It is estimated that around 8 in 10 people will be infected at some point in their lives, but in most cases, the immune system clears the infection naturally without symptoms or lasting health effects.
Although around 200 types of HPV exist, with roughly 40 affecting the genital tract, only 12–14 strains are regarded as high-risk. If not effectively cleared by the immune system, these strains can lead to persistent infection and cause cellular changes with the potential to become cancerous if left untreated.
HPV can cause six types of cancer, including cervical cancer, which is almost always (99.8%) caused by HPV.
Of the high-risk strains, HPV 16 and 18 are the most common and clinically significant to cervical health. While only a small proportion of HPV infections progress to cancer, HPV 16 and 18 are estimated to account for around 70–80% of cervical cancers, which is why cervical screening prioritises the detection of high-risk HPV types. These types of HPV are frequently identified through routine cervical screening in the UK, with around 13% of people screened testing positive.
“Many of my patients feel anxious when they receive a positive HPV result. Quite often, they’ll say to me, “Does this mean I have cancer?” or worry that it carries stigma or judgment. In most cases, it simply means a very common virus has been detected. The important thing is not to panic about the result itself, but to have a clear plan for assessment and follow-up.
As a Consultant Gynaecologist, my aim is to talk women through what the result means, offer reassurance, and arrange timely investigation when needed – so they feel informed and supported at every step.”
Miss Amanda Ali, MBBS, MRCPI, FRCOG, Consultant Gynaecologist at New Victoria Hospital
HPV vaccination: progress, protection and why screening still matters
The introduction of the HPV vaccination programme has been one of the most successful public health interventions for preventing cervical cancer. Its impact is greatest when vaccination and screening work together – as illustrated by Australia, which is reported to be on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035 through the combined effects of high vaccine coverage and an effective screening programme. NHS England shares the same ambition and has set out a plan to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
Real-world data show the vaccination programme has delivered major benefits: a large, population-based study found that HPV vaccination was associated with a substantial reduction in cervical cancer and CIN3, with the greatest effects in cohorts offered vaccination at younger ages.
Surveillance data also demonstrate marked reductions in vaccine-type infection: HPV 16/18 prevalence in sexually active 16–18-year-old females offered vaccination at school has fallen to <1% in the most recent years tested, compared with >15% before the programme began.
However, uptake is not yet universal. UKHSA and NHS England report that over a quarter of eligible pupils are missing out on HPV vaccination each year, leaving many without full protection against HPV-related disease. Importantly, even if someone is vaccinated, cervical screening remains essential because the vaccine does not protect against all high-risk HPV types.
How cervical screening works in the UK
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It is designed to prevent cancer by:
testing for high-risk HPV, and
if HPV is detected, checking the same sample for cell changes that may need monitoring or treatment.
In England, the screening programme uses HPV primary screening, which means that HPV is tested for first, with cytology (cell analysis) performed only if HPV is found.
Screening is intended for people without symptoms. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge or pelvic pain should seek medical advice regardless of their screening history.
Changes to cervical screening intervals in England
From 1 July 2025 in England, people aged 25–49 who have a cervical screening test that is negative for high-risk HPV will generally be invited back every five years rather than every three.
This change is based on robust evidence showing that an HPV-negative result is associated with a very low subsequent risk of developing significant cervical disease for many years, and that a five-year interval after a negative HPV test is at least as safe as the previous three-year interval used with cytology-based screening.
Those with HPV detected, cell changes, or a relevant recent screening history will continue to be invited sooner for closer surveillance and timely investigation where needed.
If you feel worried, have symptoms, or would value extra reassurance, you don’t have to wait. A discussion with a clinician offers the time and flexibility to focus on what feels right for you and your health.
Home HPV self-sampling: what women need to know
NHS England is also planning to introduce home HPV self-sampling from 2026, specifically to reach people who rarely or never attend cervical screening.
The intention is not to replace routine screening or clinical care for everyone, but to reduce barriers and bring under-screened patients into the screening pathway. The eligibility of home testing will focus on those who are at least 6 months overdue, prioritising those who have never been screened and are overdue the longest.
Self-sampling may also be helpful for people who find screening difficult, for example, due to discomfort, anxiety, or a previous negative experience.
When offered through official NHS programmes, self-sampling can be a helpful option for increasing screening uptake. However, not all home tests available online are clinically validated, and tests from unregulated providers may be unreliable.
The limitations of HPV home tests
It is important to understand the scope of these tests. A home HPV self-testing swab, also known as self-sampling, involves taking a vaginal swab yourself and returning it for laboratory testing for high-risk HPV.
A home HPV self-sample can
identify whether high-risk HPV is present.
A home HPV self-sample cannot:
Diagnose cervical cancer
Assess symptoms, such as unusual bleeding, persistent discharge, or pelvic pain
Replace a clinical examination when symptoms are present
There is also an important distinction between:
NHS-linked self-sampling, which follows a screening programme pathway
and
Commercial home kits, which may vary in laboratory standards, reporting, and follow-up arrangements.
Home tests are not a substitute for a clinical assessment if:
There are symptoms such as bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause.
There is persistent or unusual discharge.
Pelvic pain is present.
You are already under follow-up for abnormal screening or colposcopy.
You have an underlying medical condition, such as immunosuppression, requiring a personalised care plan.
In these situations, an in-clinic appointment with a Consultant Gynaecologist allows for examination, reassurance and a clear plan.
Cervical screening: making it work for you
Cervical screening saves lives by finding and treating changes in the cervix early, before cancer develops. It is also an opportunity for patients to make screening work for them, especially if past experiences have been uncomfortable or anxiety-provoking.
Many people are unaware that small adjustments can make a significant difference. We encourage patients to speak up and ask for simple changes that may help, such as:
a smaller speculum,
a different position,
extra time and reassurance,
the option to pause or stop at any point.
Understanding the results and next steps
If HPV is not found (HPV negative)
This is reassuring and usually means the risk of cervical changes is very low at that time. You should continue responding to routine screening invitations when due.
If you are experiencing symptoms, please book an appointment to have them assessed clinically, regardless of your test results.
If HPV is found (HPV positive)
HPV is common, and a positive result does not mean cancer. Next steps depend on the pathway and results:
If HPV is found, the sample is checked for cell changes, and follow-up is arranged accordingly.
If screening shows HPV and/or cell changes that need closer assessment, a colposcopy may be recommended to examine the cervix more closely.
If the result is unclear/invalid
If the sample is insufficient or cannot be processed, a repeat test or an in-clinic sample is advised.
When not to wait for a test
It is important that you do not wait for a screening invitation if you experience symptoms, particularly unusual bleeding, which should always be checked by a clinician.
Symptoms of cervical cancer can include:
Vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you (including bleeding during/after intimacy or between periods)
Changes to vaginal discharge
Pain during intimacy
Pain in the lower back, pelvis, or lower tummy
Support at New Victoria Hospital
For patients seeking personalised advice, reassurance, or assessment of symptoms, New Victoria Hospital offers private gynaecology consultations, screening, and treatment options in a calm, supportive environment.
Our Gynaecology Consultants can discuss your screening results, assess symptoms, and provide further investigation where needed, including imaging examinations and colposcopy, and tailored follow-up. Appointments also allow time to talk through concerns, past experiences and individual preferences.
Key takeaways
HPV is common, and most infections clear naturally.
A positive HPV test result does not mean cancer – it means a follow-up is needed.
Cervical screening intervals are changing for some people in England from July 2025: many people aged 25–49 who are HPV negative will be invited every 5 years, while high-risk results will continue with closer follow-up.
NHS home self-sampling is planned from 2026 for those who rarely or never attend screening, and are at least 6 months overdue, prioritising those never screened or are overdue the longest.
Home self-sampling may help increase access, but does not replace clinical care.
Symptoms, especially bleeding, should always be assessed by a clinician.
If you would like to receive more information on our Private Gynaecology Services at New Victoria Hospital or to make an appointment, please call our Outpatient Department on 020 8949 9020 or fill in our online contact form.
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalised recommendations.
