PLEASE NOTE: An updated report presenting the extended pilot results was published October 2025 and can be viewed here.  

It is reported that around 2,000 lives are saved each year in the UK due to the National cervical cancer screening programme. It has been found that 63% of cancers diagnosed through screening are diagnosed at stage 1 meaning improved survival rates due to an earlier diagnosis. Participation in the cancer screening programmes is lower in the most deprived communities. This is compounded by several barriers such as embarrassment, fear of pain and lack of understanding.

In response to this, NHS Dorset ICS Cancer Team and Wessex Cancer Alliance collaborated with NHS England South West Screening & Immunisation Team on a cervical screening uptake pilot aimed at practices with combined levels of high deprivation and low cervical screening uptake in Dorset.

This pilot project delivered locally produced video-based, targeted information sent by SMS text message, from primary care to individuals eligible for cervical cancer screening but who have missed the last two screening rounds and had not responded to the three previous written invitations.

Published: March 2024