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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 January 2026. It was answered by Ashley Dalton (Labour) on Friday, 23 January 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Cervical Cancer: Screening

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps are being taken to encourage more women to get smear tests.

Answer

The Government is committed to eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 through improved uptake of cervical screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, as set out in the 10-Year Health Plan for England.

From early 2026, under-screened women will be offered a home testing kit, starting with those who are the most overdue for screening. This will help tackle deeply entrenched barriers that keep some away from life-saving screening.

New digital services will support screening participants to manage their screening appointments via the NHS App as well as delivering new, artificial intelligence ready services for staff, freeing up their time to focus on care.

NHS England is launching its first ever cervical cancer elimination creative campaign and communications toolkit for Cervical Screening Awareness Week.

We are delivering screening in any primary care setting, including sexual health clinics, rather than just at general practices. This includes evenings and on weekends.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
105706
Session
2024-26
Related items
Deposited Paper DEP2025-0460
Monday, 7 July 2025
Deposited papers
House of Lords
Subjects
Cervical cancer Screening
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk