Rejected petition Maintain the current 3-year interval for smear tests.

Changing smear tests from every 3 to 5 years puts women aged 25–49 at risk. Cervical cancer can develop fast. A 5-year gap could mean missed early signs and more late-stage diagnoses. HPV tests aren’t perfect. Act now — protect lives. Keep smear tests every 3 years!

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The 3-year interval has been proven to save lives. Changing it now would undo years of progress in cervical cancer prevention — and risk more women being diagnosed late, when treatment is more invasive and outcomes are poorer.

We call on the government and NHS decision-makers to protect women’s health and keep smear tests every 3 years for women aged 25 to 49. This is about prevention, early detection, and ultimately, saving lives.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

There’s already a petition about this issue. We cannot accept a new petition when we already have one about a very similar issue.

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You may wish to sign this petition which calls for a similar action: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/729981

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Date submitted 25 June 2025
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