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    Equality and health inequalities assessment (EHIA): GID-IND10337 Screening: cervical screening (25 to 64 years)

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    STAGE 1. Consultation

    What approaches have been used to identify potential equality and health inequalities issues during indicator development?

    This proposed update and replacement of existing indicators IND176 Screening: cervical screening (25 to 49 years) and IND177 Screening: cervical screening (50 to 64 years).


    Development of the indicators also included a review of:

    What potential equality and health inequalities issues have been identified during indicator development?

    1. Protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010

    Age: The indicator excludes women under 25 years and over 64 years. UKSHA note that cervical cancer in women under 25 years is rare and screening can lead to many unnecessary and harmful investigations and treatments. PHE guidance explains that as cervical cancer develops so slowly, it is highly unlikely that women over 64 who have been regularly screened will go on to develop the disease.

    Disability: People with a disability may be less able to attend for in person screening appointments. In June 2025 the Government announced that home testing kits will be offered as part of the cervical screening programme.

    Gender reassignment: Trans women who are registered as women at their GP practice may be inappropriately invited for screening. Trans men who are registered at their GP practice may not be invited for screening.

    Pregnancy and maternity:

    Race: No issues identified.

    Religion or belief: No issues identified.

    Sex: No issues identified.

    Sexual orientation: No issues identified.

    1. Socioeconomic status and deprivation. People of lower socio-economic status or in higher deprivation areas may be less able to attend for in person screening appointments. In June 2025 the Government announced that home testing kits will be offered as part of the cervical screening programme.

    1. Geographical area variation. People living in some geographical areas may be less able to attend for in person screening appointments. In June 2025 the Government announced that home testing kits will be offered as part of the cervical screening programme.

    1. Inclusion health and vulnerable groups.


    How have the committee's considerations of equality and health inequalities issues identified in 1.2 been reflected in the indicator?

    This updated indicator has not yet been discussed at the Indicator Advisory Committee but is being progressed to consultation following recent announcements on changes to the screening schedule for women 25 to 50 years. The committee will discuss the equality and health inequalities raised above at the September 2025 meeting.

    Could any indicators potentially increase inequalities?

    This updated indicator should not increase inequalities.

    Based on the equality and health inequalities issues identified in 1.2 do you have representation from relevant stakeholder groups for the indicator consultation process, including groups who are known to be affected by these issues? If not, what plans are in place to ensure relevant stakeholders are represented and included?

    Registered national stakeholders include British Medical Association, Cancer Research UK, Carers UK, National Screening Committee, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Royal College of General Practitioners.

    Has it been proposed to exclude any population groups from coverage by the indicator? If yes, could these exclusions further impact on people affected by any equality and health inequalities issues identified?

    People without a cervix are excluded as they are not eligible for screening.

    People who are pregnant are excluded as the test should be deferred.

    Men are excluded however trans men who are eligible for screening can opt in to the service.

    What questions will you ask at the stakeholder consultation about the impact of the indicator on equality and health inequalities?

    • Do you think there is potential for differential impact (in respect of age, disability, gender and gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation)? If so, please state whether this is adverse or positive and for which group.

    • If you think any of these indicators may have an adverse impact in different groups in the community, can you suggest how the indicator might be delivered differently to different groups to reduce health inequalities?

    Approved by NICE quality assurance lead: Craig Grime

    Date: 27/06/2025

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