Thousands of Scottish Women to Get Urgent Cervical Cancer Checks After Screening Mix-Up
Screening Error Led to Tragic Deaths
Several women tragically died from cervical cancer after being wrongly excluded from NHS Scotland’s screening programme back in June 2021. The biggest slip-up involved women being recorded as having had a total hysterectomy—meaning their cervix was removed and screening wasn’t needed—when, in fact, they had only a partial hysterectomy. This error meant they missed vital cervical screening appointments.
13,000 Women Called Back for Checks
In a February letter to health boards and GPs, the Scottish government revealed around 13,000 patients will need further medical checks. These women will be invited for appointments over the next year. The government apologised for “any anxiety caused by the audit,” but urges calm.
Experts Tell Women Not to Panic
“This audit is part of a wider piece of work ensuring that everyone eligible for cervical screening is regularly invited,” said Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. “It might sound worrying, but remember cervical cancer is rare and the risk remains low.”
Screening and Support Services
The NHS screening programme invites women aged 25-64 to have smear tests that check for HPV—the main cause of cervical cancer. The Scottish government assures those affected the cancer risk is low. Anyone worried can call Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s helpline on 0808 802 8000 for support and info.
