Improving take up of cervical screening appointments

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Helping us take steps to improve attendance for cervical screening (e.g. campaigns to motivate people to attend, or steps to improve attendance such how invitations are worded or are sent), by understanding motivations and barriers to attending cervical screening appointments, especially in light of recent NHS changes to how screening is carried out.

Doctor checking test results on screen

Hampshire Perspectives is the County Council's residents' forum

This report summarises key findings from the 48th Hampshire Perspectives survey.

The Hampshire Perspectives survey was open between 13 and 30 October 2025, and was completed by 445 eligible Hampshire Perspectives members, with a further 59 from the 25-34 age group also completing it (recruited externally to boost the number of those taking part from the younger age groups).

Participation:

  • Most of you who are eligible recalled having been invited for cervical screening, with most attending when asked (or willing to do so in future).
  • However, around 20% in total either hadn’t attended or would not go if invited, with take up lowest in the 25-34 age group and amongst those with health limitations.

Barriers:

  • The most significant barrier to attendance is the screening process itself – driven mainly by prior bad experiences (especially recalled by 55+s), or by concern about the procedure (25-54s).
  • Further key barriers included low perceived risk (especially for older respondents and those who have no health limitations) and logistical reasons (difficulty booking, time pressure).
  • Some respondents also cited aspects of their medical history as reason not to attend.

Awareness of changes to screening

  • Most of you are unaware of the 2019 changes to cervical screening, mainly believing it tests for both signs of cervical cancer and HPV virus: just 16% believing (correctly) that only HPV is initially screened for.
  • However, awareness of the changes and correct understanding of what is tested for do not appear to be linked to attendance.
  • Men in particular are more likely to feel uncomfortable taking part in creative activities, potentially seeing creative pursuits as more feminine, or more female-dominated.

Invitations

  • Those recalling recent invitations had generally received them by post.
  • However, while post still headed preference for future invitations, email, text or NHS App were also welcomed – except by those who did not attend their last appointment (for this group, letter or email may be best).