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Together we can eliminate cervical cancer
During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (19th – 25th January 2026), NHS Surrey Heartland’s Joint Chief Medical Officer is asking people, if eligible, to take up opportunities to get an HPV vaccination or cervical screening when invited, even if a previous appointment was missed.
The week also provides an opportunity to share trusted information and resources to help people make informed decisions and address some of the barriers that can prevent screening taking place.
Talking openly about screening with friends and family can also help reduce anxiety and increase uptake.
Around 2,700 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in England, and the disease causes approximately 685 deaths annually.
However, thanks to cervical screening and the HPV vaccination programme, eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 is more achievable than ever.
Dr Charlotte Canniff, Joint Chief Medical Officer of NHS Surrey Heartlands, said:
We know that some people feel anxious about cervical screening or are unsure what to expect.
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is a chance to provide clear, trusted information and to remind people that support is available.
Screening and vaccination give people the opportunity to take control of their health, and we want everyone to feel informed, supported and confident in making the right decision for them.
Speak with your practice nurse or GP, who can explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have, make this year the year you prioritise your health and get make sure all your screening is up to date.
Alongside vaccination, cervical screening saves around 5,000 lives each year in the UK by detecting changes in cervical cells which could over time turn into cervical cancer.
By spotting these changes through screening, it enables those pre-cancerous cells to be treated before cancer develops, or if cancer does occur, it can be caught earlier, which may mean it is more treatable.
Over 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV and since the NHS introduced the HPV vaccination programme, rates of HPV infection and cervical cancer in those who are vaccine-eligible have fallen significantly, particularly among those vaccinated at younger ages.
HPV vaccination is offered to boys and girls in year 8 at school (aged 12 to 13), and the vaccine also protects against other cancers, including head and neck (mouth and throat) and penile cancers.
In Surrey, the vaccine is also available from local immunisation teams or GPs for girls under 25 and boys born after 1 September 2006 who missed having the vaccination at school.
Cervical screening is available to anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64. Eligible individuals will receive an invitation via the NHS App, as well as by text or letter when required. However, the offer for cervical screening remains open even if the invite was missed and appointments can be made through GPs.
Find out more about cervical cancer, cervical screening and HPV vaccination on the NHS website.