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Written question asked by Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 19 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. It was answered by Ashley Dalton (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 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 his Department is taking to help ensure people with learning disabilities receive screenings for cervical cancer.

Answer

The Government is committed to its ambition to change the National Health Service so that it diagnoses earlier and treats faster. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme plays a vital role in this. Across the NHS, local systems and partnerships are working together to find ways to make cervical screening more accessible for people with a learning disability.

Following the launch of the Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag Information Standard, NHS England is considering the role this digital flag has in further personalisation in the programme.

Reasonable adjustments can include:

  • a longer or double appointment;
  • information in other languages or formats, or an interpreter;
  • a chaperone in the room; and/or
  • an appointment with a trusted doctor or nurse who the individual already has a good relationship with.

Additionally, in early 2026, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme will be offering a self-testing kit to under-screened women, starting with those who are the most overdue for screening. This will help tackle deeply entrenched barriers that keep some away from screening.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
106852
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Cervical cancer Learning disability Screening
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk