01-07-2025
Campaigner fears longer waits between smear tests could 'cost lives'
'WE can't afford to take a step backwards' – a Warrington woman is pushing back against longer waits between cervical screenings that could 'cost lives'.
Leanne Jones, who lives in Padgate, was scrolling on her phone when she came across a social media post from Warrington and Halton Hospitals Trust.
This post shared the announcement from the NHS that cervical screenings for women aged 25 to 49 will now be every five years for those who test negative for HPV, starting in July.
Cervical screenings, also known as smear tests, is a test to prevent cancer which takes a sample of cells from the cervix.
Women between the ages of 25 and 49 are currently invited to have a screening every three years if 'high risk' HPV's are not found in the cells.
Leanne, 37, is someone who has to attend smear tests more regularly after an abnormality was found at a screening, and she is also someone who lost a family member to cervical cancer.
She now feels that the five-year gap between appointments could leave more women at risk of developing cancer.
'It just doesn't seem right,' she said.
'It's played on my mind ever since because I have to go every six months for check ups. This is something that has happened over the last two years after never having any issues before.
'My personal experience has shown there can be a lot of changes in a two-year period.'
Leanne (left) feels the gap between tests could mean cancer is left undetected for longer (Image: Supplied)
Leanne's family member had her screening delayed by Covid, which meant any abnormalities went undetected for longer. Sadly, she died at just 40 years old.
'She went through hell,' said Leanne.
'It was horrendous. She was a young woman with kids to leave behind and it could have been avoided.
'A delay is a delay – whether it's caused by Covid or a longer wait between appointments.'
For many women, smear tests can be intimidating and Leanne believes that extending the wait between appointments only exacerbates the nerves women may feel, and may mean some decide not to go at all.
'It's a scary thing, for so many women,' she said.
'When you go more frequently, it does make it less daunting.
'But, if it's less frequent, then it does make it look less important – people might think 'I just won't go at all'.'
Despite her concerns, Leanne does think that there have been great steps taken by the NHS to help prevent cervical cancer, such as the HPV vaccine.
However, she feels this progress is negated by the increase of time between appointments, calling it 'mixed messages'.
'I can't find one person that thinks it's a good idea,' she said.
'There are still women dying every year from cervical cancer. They've not cured it.
'They've obviously done a lot with the HPV vaccine, so they're doing a lot of positive things. But I feel while there's still people who haven't had the vaccine and there's still variables to it seems too soon to jump to five years.
'Everybody I speak to seems to have the same opinion - that it's going to cost lives by risking those longer intervals.'
Read more
Mobile clinic to offer cervical screening tests in Warrington
Boyfriend, dad and friends of woman who fought cancer twice team up for big challenge
New £11 million health centre that aims to reduce waiting times has officially opened
Leanne has now launched a petition on to try and reverse this decision.
'We cannot afford to take a step backwards in women's healthcare,' she said.
'My story can't be unique. It can't just be me and my loved one that have had these experiences.
'I don't think my petition is going to change the world, but I've got nothing to lose by trying and by talking about because there are people who aren't here to talk about it themselves.'
The change will commence tomorrow, Tuesday, and has followed a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee, and it is already the approach used for women aged 50 to 64 in England.
Those whose sample indicated the presence of HPV, or have had a recement history of HPV, will continue to be invited to more frequent screenings.
Dr Sue Mann, NHS national clinical director for women's health, said: 'Taking a more personalised approach to cervical screening will help ensure everyone eligible can make the most of these life-saving services, while sparing women appointments that they don't need.
'The NHS is following robust evidence on how often women need to be safely screened, and by putting invitations and reminders straight in women's pockets on their phones, we're making it easier than ever to take up screening appointments.
'Make sure you come forward for your screening when you're invited, even if it was weeks, months or years ago. If you think you are due but have not yet had an invitation, speak to your GP practice."
