Annual cervical screening statistics for Scotland published

Today, Public Health Scotland (PHS) published the 2023/24 annual cervical screening statistics, providing data on coverage and uptake within the eligible screening population by health board of residence, deprivation and age.

Figures show that 63.3% of those eligible for cervical screening took up the offer within the past 3.5 and 5 years (depending on their age group). This is what is referred to as ‘coverage’ in the report. This is similar to the previous year (63.9%); however, it continues to fall short of the target performance threshold of 80%.

Cervical screening (also known as a smear test) is a quick test to look at a sample of cells from the cervix (neck of the womb). The sample is checked for human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to changes to the cells in the cervix and causes over 99% of cervical cancers.

In previous publications, the terms ‘coverage’ and ‘uptake’ were used interchangeably, while the measure reported was always coverage. In today’s report, an additional, distinct measure of ‘uptake’ is also provided. This is the percentage of those invited for screening who have had a cervical screening test within six months of their invitation or reminder letter. In 2023/24, cervical screening uptake was 51.9%, an increase of 1.4% from 50.5% the previous year, but again below the 80% target performance threshold.

The report also highlights differences by age and deprivation, with younger age groups and those in the most deprived areas least likely to take up their cervical screening invitation.   

David Morrison, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at PHS and Director of the Scottish Cancer Registry said:

“This report clearly shows that not everyone eligible for cervical screening in Scotland is benefiting from it. Cervical screening aims to prevent cancer in the first place by treating abnormal changes in the cervix before they ever become cancer. If you’re invited, please take up the offer of cervical screening. If you’re worried about having the test, talk to your GP or practice nurse about your concerns - there are ways to make it easier, so don’t put it off.”

Cervical screening is offered to women and anyone with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 years. Some people whose previous screening results have shown changes that need to be monitored will be offered screening until they’re 70.

Together with the HPV vaccine, which is offered to all young people in S1, it is possible to eliminate cervical cancer in the future. That’s why it’s important to go for cervical screening, even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine.

Read the annual report here 

Find out more about cervical screening on NHS inform here

Find out more about the HPV vaccine on NHS inform here

Read our news story reporting no cases of cervical cancer in women following HPV vaccination