Mobile cervical screening: using an opportunistic screening service to increase uptake in underserved communities

Attendance rates for the cervical screening programme and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme in England have fallen since 2022. Women and all people with a cervix from underserved communities are known to have lower screening attendance rates than other groups, so it is vital to address barriers to attendance to increase screening uptake. This article describes a service innovation pilot project in north west England involving the delivery of opportunistic cervical screening via a mobile screening unit sited in convenient community locations. The aim was to identify precancerous changes and promote early treatment for moderate-to-severe dyskaryosis by increasing attendance rates among underserved communities. A total of 2,283 clients completed a cervical screen during the pilot period (between July 2024 and March 2026). Analysis showed that a significant percentage (44%, n =994) of clients were from the two lowest deciles of the Index of Multiple Deprivation; half ( n =1,145, 50%) of completed screens were for clients designated as 'non-responders' to screening invitations; 101 (4%) clients were referred for colposcopy; and 18 (1%) clients were identified as having high-grade dyskaryosis. Patient experience feedback suggests that the opportunistic nature of the service was a significant incentive for clients to attend for screening. The project is ongoing and the service aims to expand to cover the whole of NHS England North West.