More than five million women in England are not up to date with their cervical screenings, according to official statistics

Women are invited by the NHS for screenings every three to five years, depending on their age, or more frequently if the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is detected.

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme, England 2023-2024 annual report, published by NHS England, revealed that 68.8 per cent of people aged 25 to 64 were screened within the recommended period of time, compared to 68.7 per cent the previous year.

Read more: Thousands of vulnerable people in Wiltshire get Winter jab

In 2023-24, 5.12 million women aged 25 to 64 were invited for a test, but only 3.25 million attended within the year.

Sue Mann, NHS England’s national clinical director for women’s health, said: "We have set ourselves an ambitious target of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 – a commitment shared by only a few countries worldwide.

"In order to achieve this, we are working hard to ensure that everyone who’s eligible has access to HPV vaccination and cervical screening appointments, and that they are suitably informed on how to book and what to expect at an appointment.

"If we are to make real inroads into eradicating cervical cancer, it’s essential that everyone who is invited for screening comes forward when invited.

"If you have previously missed your appointment, do not hesitate to reach out to your GP practice or sexual health clinic to schedule a new one.

"Taking this proactive step could potentially save your life."

Read more: Long-standing Swindon GP Stephen Brooke publishes new book

The NHS is taking steps to make it easier for women to attend their appointments, including the rollout of a new "ping and book" service that will send alerts to phones to remind women they are due or overdue an appointment.

More information on NHS cervical screening and how to book an appointment is available at www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening.

Helen Hyndman MBE, nurse service co-ordinator for The Eve Appeal, said: "Having the HPV vaccination and attending cervical screening appointments when invited is vital to prevent cervical cancer.

"We encourage anyone who has received their invitation or whose test is overdue, to book their appointment."

Sophia Lowes, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "Cervical screening saves thousands of lives every year in the UK.

"It's for people without symptoms and helps to prevent cervical cancer from developing in the first place.

"Cancer Research UK encourages everyone who receives an invitation to take part."

Invitations for breast screening being sent directly through the NHS App, and will be expanded to include cervical screening in spring 2025.