Petitions/Fund lowering the age for a smear test to 16 years old
StatusOngoing
Opened3 Mar 2026
Closes
Government response
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones

I would like government to fund the NHS so the minimum age for a smear test is lowered, to prevent women from having cell changes at a younger age leading to cervical cancer or even vulva cancer.

I have had ongoing abnormal smears and cell change since the age of 25, I am now 36 and still being treated for abnormal cells, at 25 I had the highest grade of abnormal cells (CIN3) if I hadn’t had my smear when I did I may not be here now, so I think the age should be lowered as this could prevent women reaching to higher grade cell change. Many young women become sexually active at the age of 16 which puts them at risk of getting HPV which can lead to cell changes, and the wait is far too long to be able to be screened for abnormal cells, this could prevent so many women from getting cervical cancer or even vulva cancer, lowering the age for a smear test could help so many women.

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Constituency engagement ranking

Ms Abena Oppong-Asare
1Ms Abena Oppong-Asare MP
Erith and Thamesmead
67
Matthew Pennycook
2Matthew Pennycook MP
Greenwich and Woolwich
48
Jim Dickson
3Jim Dickson MP
Dartford
40
Clive Efford
4Clive Efford MP
Eltham and Chislehurst
36
Daniel Francis
5Daniel Francis MP
Bexleyheath and Crayford
30
Mr Louie French
6Mr Louie French MP
Old Bexley and Sidcup
23
Dr Lauren Sullivan
7Dr Lauren Sullivan MP
Gravesham
12
Laura Trott
8Laura Trott MP
Sevenoaks
11
Miatta Fahnbulleh
9Miatta Fahnbulleh MP
Peckham
10
James McMurdock
10James McMurdock MP
South Basildon and East Thurrock
10