Public Health Scotland has published new figures for 2024 to 2025 showing that 55.3% of eligible women are up to date with cervical screening, down from 63.3% the previous year.
The statistics, released on 24th of February 2026, also show that only 41.9% of those invited for screening attended within six months of receiving their invitation or reminder letter, a drop of 10% on last year.
The report highlights clear gaps by age and deprivation, with younger women and those living in the most deprived areas least likely to take up their invitation.
Cervical screening is a short test that checks the cervix for human papillomavirus, known as HPV, which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer.
It can detect early cell changes even when someone feels well and has no symptoms.
When 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 Public Health Scotland 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 and 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, with some people monitored up to the age of 70 if needed.
Health leaders are urging people not to ignore invitations, warning that falling uptake risks reversing progress in preventing one of the most avoidable forms of cancer.
Further information and advice about cervical screening, including videos and information in other formats and languages, is available at nhsinform.scot/cervicalscreening
