Women encouraged to take up cervical screening offer following publication of new statistics
First published on 24 February 2026
- Screening
Public Health Scotland (PHS) has today published the 2024/25 annual cervical screening statistics, providing data on coverage and uptake by health board of residence, deprivation and age.
Figures show that 55.3% of eligible women have had a cervical screening test within the past 3.5 and 5.5 years (depending on their age group). This is what is termed as ‘coverage’ within the report and compares to 63.3% the previous year.
Today’s report also includes figures for ‘uptake’, which 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 2024/25, cervical screening uptake was 41.9%, a decrease of 10% from the previous year.
The report also highlights differences by age and deprivation, with younger age groups and women in the most deprived areas least likely to take up their cervical screening invitation.
Cervical screening is a quick test to check the cervix (neck of the womb) for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cases of cervical cancers. It can find changes in women even if they feel healthy and have no symptoms. If changes are picked up early and monitored or treated, women are nine times more likely to survive cervical cancer.
Professor David Morrison, Consultant in Public Health at PHS and Director of the Scottish Cancer Registry said:
“Cervical screening offers the chance to pick up early cell changes and stop cancer ever occurring. Even if cancer is found, it’s more likely to be at an early, curable stage than after it starts to cause symptoms. I encourage anyone who's offered cervical screening to take up that offer."
“Even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine at school, it’s still crucial to go for regular cervical screening. This is because the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cancer. It’s the combination of vaccination and cervical screening that gives us the best chance of eliminating cervical cancer.”
Dr Tasmin Sommerfield, Interim Director of Screening at Screening Oversight & Assurance Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland said:
“Through the Scottish Equity in Screening Strategy, we are working with public health and primary care colleagues across Scotland to identify the most effective ways to support individuals to participate in cervical screening. This includes approaches tailored to the needs of those from under‑served communities, where barriers can be greatest. Our aim is to ensure that no-one misses out on the opportunity to benefit from this vital test.
“I would encourage anyone invited for cervical screening to take up the offer. If you haven’t received an invitation but think you might be overdue, please contact your GP practice to find out. It really could save your life”.
In Scotland, cervical screening is offered to women and anyone with a cervix aged between 25 and 64. Some people who have changes that need to be monitored will be offered screening until they’re 70.
Further information and advice about cervical screening, including videos and information in other formats and languages, is available at nhsinform.scot/cervicalscreening