Cervical screening attendance in Scotland has fallen

Public Health Scotland reports 41.9% of women attended a cervical smear within six months of invitation in 2024-25, down from 51.9% the year before, and overall screening coverage fell to 55.3%.

Public Health Scotland has published figures showing lower attendance at cervical screening in 2024-25. The data records 41.9% of women attending within six months of an invitation, down from 51.9% in 2023-24. Overall screening coverage across the relevant time frames fell to 55.3% in 2024-25. The report notes declines across age groups and differences by area of deprivation. What the figures show: - 41.9% of women attended a smear test within six months of invitation in 2024-25, down from 51.9% in 2023-24. - Overall screening coverage for the recommended time periods fell to 55.3% in 2024-25, an eight percentage-point decrease. - Uptake decreased across all age groups and was lower in the most deprived areas (49.6%) than in the least deprived areas (58.8%). - Public Health Scotland and Professor David Morrison noted these rates remain below the government target of 80% and said that vaccination plus screening together are important in reducing cervical cancer. Summary: The reported fall in attendance leaves screening coverage below the government's 80% target. Officials described declines across age groups and by deprivation. Undetermined at this time.