Latest NHS data shows over 530,000 women and people with a cervix are not up to date with their cervical screening appointments
Birmingham, United Kingdom, Wednesday 29 October 2025 – The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and West Midlands Cervical Screening Service, in partnership with Roche Diagnostics UK & Ireland, has today announced the launch of a public awareness campaign – Let’s Talk Cervical Screening – to educate women and people with a cervix in West Midlands about HPV and cervical screening (also known as a ‘smear test’), and to alleviate any concerns when it comes to booking an appointment.
Throughout the West Midlands, data shows that over 530,000 women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25-64 years are not up to date with their cervical screening. These figures mean around one in three of those eligible have not attended their latest appointment.
Specific breakdown for West Midlands:
| Location | Missing | Location | Missing | Location | Missing |
| Birmingham | 138,220 | Herefordshire | 13,695 | Staffordshire | 60,880 |
| Coventry | 43,786 | Walsall | 22,659 | Worcestershire | 40,880 |
| Sandwell | 34,810 | Telford and Wrekin | 15,001 | Shropshire | 19,505 |
| Stoke-on-Trent | 24,120 | Warwickshire | 46,710 | Wolverhampton | 29,034 |
| Dudley | 25,096 | Solihull | 16,244 | TOTAL | 530,640 |
“A high number of eligible women and people with a cervix in West Midlands have not had their latest cervical screening, and there is an urgent need to boost uptake rates across the region and help save lives” said Karen Kendall, Cytology Service Lead, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.
“Through our campaign, we want to find the millions of individuals across the region who are missing their cervical screening, and we’re calling on all women and people with a cervix to consider getting screened.”
Some of the most common barriers to cervical screening attendance include embarrassment and anxiety, with lack of understanding, concerns about pain, busy schedules, fear of results, and misconceptions about relevance also frequently cited.
As part of the campaign, the NHS team will be attending the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, inviting members of the public to stop by and speak with them about any questions they may have. Posters and digital signage have been made visible in public areas (e.g., bus stops and shopping centres), as well as on ITV-X. A campaign website has also been built, providing credible information alongside a film featuring open and honest discussions about cervical screening.
Jolande, 36, from Birmingham, is a part of the Let’s Talk Cervical Screening campaign. She says:
“I have an invisible disability, so cervical screening can be very uncomfortable for me, and I’ve even had a hip dislocate during an appointment. I still try to attend my screenings because they’re such an important part of looking after my health. But I know that everyone’s situation is different, and it’s not always easy. It’s really important to talk to your nurse or GP about what might help make the experience more comfortable for you, rather than feeling you can’t go at all.”
Kate Quinney,Clinical Marketing Partner, Women’s Health, Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland said:
“We are proud to collaborate with The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to roll-out this important campaign in the West Midlands. Cervical screening can play a vital role in preventing cancer before it develops. I strongly encourage anyone with concerns or questions to visit the team at the Christmas market or explore the online resources available. Taking the step to attend your cervical screening appointment is one of the best ways to prevent cancer.”
