What are the rules for cervical screening in England? Should we be worried about changes?
Earlier this month, Wales announced changes to their cervical screening programme.
The change, which will bring Wales in line with the recommendation of the UK National Screening Committee,advises that all people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 are invited to cervical screening every five years instead of three.
The move has been met with significant public outrage, and a petition signed by over 31,000 people is currently being debated in the Welsh Parliament known as the Senedd Cymru.
The petition states that "HPV(humanpapilloma virus) is not the only cause of cervical cancer".
The UK National Screening Committee has recommended that all UK nations implement the new cervical screening test and intervals.
Scotland and Wales are the first to implement the new intervals, with England to follow suit.
The new test, which screens for HPV, is said to be "at least as effective" as the old screening.
Cancer research UK say on their website: "The new test involves the same procedure of taking a sample from the cervix but tests for HPV first – known as HPV primary testing.
"As having HPV infection comes before abnormal cells developing, HPV primary testing detects women at risk of developing cervical cancer at an earlier point."
However, many women have spoken out about the issue, with one dubbing the changes to the screening process "disgusting".
Joanna Duncan told the Lynn News: "I remember being at school when we had a sex education lesson about cervical screening which at that time was 18.
"Just as I reached 18 the age limit was moved and then again meaning I did not get my very first smear until the age of 25.
"A few days later I got my results meaning I required an immediate biopsy and subsequently a colposcopy.
My next smear, six months later was clear but then three years later another bad smear requiring a further biopsy which luckily required no treatment.
"Three years later again another biopsy but no treatment required.
"I was due my smear this year but now this won’t be the case.
"I was told following my last biopsy that it’s unlikely I could have a baby as your cervix shrinks and I would miscarry.
"Luckily I managed to have a little boy but my concern is what about if I want another.
"Every time I get my letter requiring me to be tested I call the GP the same day.
"I always tell my friends and work colleagues the importance of going and when I had my first smear two of my colleagues had the same problem within the same year, one requiring treatment and one just a biopsy. It’s not as rare as they make out!
"It’s disgusting they have moved the screening process.
"I just think what would have happened had I not been tested every three years.
"I am now extremely concerned I won’t be tested this year which I already panic about when it comes to the year of testing.
"I get the NHS are under strain but cervical screening is such an important thing and certainly should be undertaking before the age of 25 as well."
Juliet* from Downham is 28 and has precancerous cells and HPV.
She was diagnosed in 2019, but has had no further treatment on the NHS.
She says she feels she has been "left to rot".
The mother of two said: "They scaremonger us into getting a smear test, and tell us how important it is.
"I actually had my first smear at age 24.
"During a routine check I was asked by the nurse if they might as well do it there and then and I said yes.
"I could tell when the nurse was examining me there was something wrong, her face contorted.
"I also bled on contact with the speculum which was unusual.
"After a biopsy I was told I had mid-grade pre-cancerous cells.
"I didn't get any treatment at the time and my most recent smear has shown I still have HPV.
"I was told I have a large lesion on my cervix and I feel anxious and depressed about it all the time.
"The NHS told me to come back in another year and it's been three years since my first diagnosis of pre-cancerous cells, why haven't they done anything about it?
"I feel I've been left to rot, why campaign so hard to get women checked and when we present with symptoms do nothing about it?
"I've had changes to my cycle and some other symptoms but they don't seem concerned.
"If I could afford it I would just go private."
Rebecca Fisher , an influencer and columnist from Burnham Market said: "I don't think it is beneficial to change the length of time at all.
"Many people who have a cervix are scared to go for a smear test and I think the change in time will only make this worse.
"Having a smear is a big part of life. It can save your life and it shouldn't be messed with.
"Five years is too long and lives will be lost with this change.
"When I was at high school, I had the HPV vaccine.
"I always thought that this made the chances of getting HPV nearly impossible.
"Most people have HPV at some point in their lives but I never expected to deal with it from my first smear test.
"I had my first smear at the age of 25 and even though I was nervous, I had it in my mind that it needed doing even though I had the HPV vaccine.
"Only a few weeks after my smear, I received the letter to say that I was HPV positive and to come back a year later for another smear.
"HPV can lead to cancerous cells and this is what I was so scared of.
"Another year later and I still have HPV and I need another smear this year.
"Even through the pandemic, GPs were performing smear tests.
"If you are due a smear then go for it! It might feel uncomfortable and you may not want to do it but it is better to get your smear then to find out that you left it too long and you need treatment for something like cancer.
"Book those smear tests!"
According to the NHS cervical cancer is caused by HPV in the majority of cases, but people are more at risk if they smoke or have had other types of cancer.
Reports predict that the HPV vaccine has eradicated "90 per cent" of cases, and in eight years cervical cancer will be a thing of the past.
Public Health Wales have apologised for a "lack of clarity" regarding the new screening process earlier this month.
They said on Twitter:“We are sorry. We haven’t done enough to explain the changes to cervical screening and have caused concern.
"We are working to make this clearer and more information will be available as soon as we can today and in the coming days.”
However for people like Juliet, an apology "isn't enough".
Juliet said: "The NHS is under strain because of Covid, and I've had my smear cancelled twice due to lack of staff and have a 22 week wait to see a gynaecologist about my symptoms.
"An apology isn't enough, none of this is enough, how many more young women have to die?
"I feel issues like this have taken a back seat, and the new screening won't be as beneficial and will cost lives needlessly."
