This publication presents information on the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in England and includes statistics on the call and re-call programme, screening samples examined by pathology laboratories, and referrals to colposcopy clinics.

Women between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening under a national programme. This is intended to detect abnormalities within the cervix that could, if untreated, develop into cancer. Women are invited for screening every three to five years.

Note: There is a systematic error in the calculation of repeat inadequate samples quoted in paragraph 2.3.1 of the 2008-09 Bulletin and similar figures from 2006 onwards, which has resulted in a slightly inflated percentage being published. This issue will be addressed in the 2009-10 publication and where year-on-year comparison occurs, historic data will be amended.

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