Cervical cancer experts campaign to increase screening rates and save lives
Ella Day | April 30, 2025 | News story | Research and Development | NHS, NHS England, Oncology, campaign, cervical cancer, screening
A coalition of experts fighting to end cervical cancer, referred to as the UK Consensus Group of the Advancing Cervical Cancer Screenings (ACCESS), has emerged to reverse the decline in cervical screening participation seen in recent years. Screening has the potential to save thousands of lives each year, meaning greater participation is integral to combating the disease.
ACCESS has put forward a consensus statement outlining its recommendations for improved intervention on screening. This directly responds to the Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan published by NHS England (NHSE), which aims to eliminate the disease by 2040, by asking for clarity on the delivery and accountability of the plan. Though the plan is welcomed as a positive step, ACCESS asserts it must go further by integrating its recommendations.
One of its members, Dr Aamena Salar, commented: “At a national level, health authorities must allocate greater resources and funding to support local providers to increase cervical screening participation rates.”
Despite being both preventable and treatable, cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue, with over 3,000 women diagnosed in the UK annually. Screening increases the likelihood of the cancer being caught early and treatment being more effective.
Marginalised communities are disproportionately affected by cervical cancer in the UK, with incidence rates in the UK being 65% higher in the most deprived quintile of the population. Consequently, ACCESS “prioritises [intervention] for under-screened and high-risk women,” as stated by member Dr Matejka Rebolj, to increase screening rates in these communities.
Ella Day
30/4/25
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