The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) is holding a 3-month public consultation on repeat screening for syphilis in pregnancy. Syphilis is one of the health conditions the committee reviews regularly for evidence relating to population screening. The UK NSC currently recommends offering women a syphilis test early in pregnancy as part of the NHS Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy Screening Programme. The committee uses modelling studies to predict the costs and health effects of one intervention compared to another, based on the best available evidence. It commissioned the Sheffield Evidence Network for Screening Synthesis (SENSS) to develop an updated 2026 modelling study on repeat screening for syphilis in pregnancy. This 2026 model, an update to the 2020 UK NSC model on the topic, evaluates only the potential clinical and cost-effectiveness of adding an additional syphilis screen in the third trimester of pregnancy. The model and its conclusions do not impact the existing syphilis screening programme in the first trimester of pregnancy. We are holding the public consultation to ask individuals and organisations to provide feedback on the study and its conclusions. ## **About syphilis** Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection with potentially serious health impacts if not detected and treated. Congenital syphilis is when a baby develops syphilis before birth. This happens when syphilis passes from the mother to the baby during pregnancy. It can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. It can also mean the baby is born too early, dies at birth, or has serious health problems. ## **Evidence from the model** The updated 2026 model asks whether all pregnant women should be offered a second routine syphilis test in addition to the test they are already offered early in pregnancy. The purpose of the second test would be to prevent cases of congenital syphilis when a mother acquires syphilis during pregnancy. The second test would happen in the last 3 months of pregnancy, known as the third trimester. The model makes use of new national data on syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in England from the Integrated Screening Outcomes Surveillance Service (ISOSS). This data was not available when the previous 2020 model was developed. It shows that syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis have become more common in England since 2020. The model found that while universal repeat screening would prevent additional cases of congenital syphilis and other serious adverse outcomes, the absolute benefits remain small relative to the scale and economic cost of a nationwide programme. This does not mean repeat screening lacks clinical value, but it suggests that universal national repeat screening is unlikely to be cost‑effective under current assumptions. This means the resources that repeat screening might require could be used for greater health benefit elsewhere. ## **How to respond** To take part in the consultation, download the consultation documents by clicking on the grey ‘View documents’ button on the UK NSC’s Syphilis recommendation page. Then submit your response by clicking on the green ‘Submit comments’ button. **The deadline for responses is 11.59pm****BST on****3 January 2027**. The UK NSC will review and consider the responses after the consultation closes. The committee then agrees a recommendation at a UK NSC meeting. It publishes meeting minutes including the recommendation around 6 weeks later. ## **Keep up to date** The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

Health system leaders and policymakers attended a Cancer Research UK (CRUK) event to get an insight into the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) position on the use of surrogate outcomes in cancer screening trials. The CRUK Early Diagnosis Event Series session raised awareness of the UK National Screening Committee’s (UK NSC) newly published position statement on surrogate outcomes in cancer screening trials. The event was chaired by UK NSC Chair Prof Sir Mike Richards and speakers included Prof Anne Mackie (UK NSC Director of Screening), Dr Sarah Batson (Assistant Professor at University of Warwick), Dr Tasmin Sommerfield (Scottish Director of Screening), and Dr Lisa Douet (National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Scientific Advisor). **Read the CRUK summary report of the event: Understanding surrogate outcomes in cancer screening trials: implications for screening policy and practice.** ## Why alternative indicators of screening effectiveness would be helpful The UK NSC only recommends a screening programme if evidence shows that its benefits would outweigh any harms. The gold-standard measure of effectiveness for any cancer screening programme is achieving a reduction in deaths from that cancer. However, it can take many years or even decades to collect the cancer-specific mortality data required from large trials. Academics have therefore been looking for alternative measurements or indicators of screening effectiveness. These outcomes act as a ‘surrogate’ for the desired outcome of mortality reduction before that long-term data is available. To date, the most promising surrogate outcomes proposed for cancer screening trials have included: * a fall in the number or proportion of cancers detected at a later stage * a rise in the number or proportion of cancers detected at an earlier stage * a rise in cancer detection rates However, the evidence is not yet strong enough for surrogate outcomes to replace cancer mortality as the definitive measure of the overall benefit of screening. This is because finding more cancers at an earlier stage does not necessarily mean fewer people will die from cancer. Additional cancers detected may be very slow-growing or may never cause harm during a person's lifetime. In addition, what is considered a ‘late-stage’ cancer varies between cancer types, and the link between surrogate outcomes and cancer mortality is not the same for all cancers. ## Implications and next steps The CRUK event provided an overview of the UK NSC’s position statement on surrogate outcomes and explored its implications for health system leaders and policymakers. Overall, the session reinforced the committee’s view that surrogate outcomes can inform screening research, evaluation and policy discussions, but cannot yet replace cancer-specific mortality as the main measure of cancer screening benefit. Attendees heard that while a reduction in late-stage disease is encouraging as a surrogate outcome, it is not yet sufficient to demonstrate the benefit of screening. Participants explored how health systems can try to make evidence-informed decisions in the face of uncertainty. They also discussed the use of in-service evaluations (ISEs) as an important approach to generating evidence in real-world settings. The summary report concludes with actions and next steps for policy makers and researchers to consider when shaping the future of cancer screening. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The in-service evaluation (ISE) of newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is under way in NHS services in England. From 1 October 2026, babies born in maternity units across the West Midlands are being tested for SMA, a rare but serious genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 10,000 babies. SMA is being added to the serious conditions that newborn babies are already screened for using the routine newborn blood spot (NBS) screening test. The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) recommended an ISE to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of adding SMA to the NBS screening programme in the long term. ISEs are used to test a change in screening policy if evidence gaps can only be reasonably filled by data collection and evaluation in a live NHS setting. Data from the evaluation will help inform a definitive UK NSC recommendation on whether and how to continue newborn screening for SMA. After its launch in the Birmingham NBS screening laboratory, the ISE will be rolled out in phases to the 6 other English regional laboratories already participating in the ISE of screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). The government’s ambition is for the roll-out to then extend to the country’s remaining 6 regional laboratories so that all babies born in England will be offered SMA screening as part of the ISE. The aim of screening will be to help identify SMA before symptoms develop. When SMA is detected early, babies can be referred promptly for clinical assessment and treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes. Evidence suggests that introducing SMA screening throughout England could, each year, prevent around 3 early deaths, prevent around 2 babies from needing permanent ventilation, prevent around 30 babies from being confined to sitting, and enable around 37 babies to live largely normal lives. NHS England is updating all its national NBS screening information for professionals and the public to cover the introduction of screening for SMA. The NBS screening e-learning module on NHSE elfh Hub now includes information about SMA screening. Targeted training sessions are being delivered in advance of the ISE rollout in each screening laboratory to maternity units and staff. Details of these sessions will be shared through existing communication routes. In addition, SMA UK is launching a campaign, SpotSMA, to raise awareness of the symptoms of the condition among health professionals. Meanwhile, the Screening tests for you and your baby information is being updated for all parents and there will be a new leaflet for parents of babies who screen positive for SMA. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The health screening module is running again this autumn at the University of Warwick from **Monday 16 November to Friday 20 November**. The module is delivered by Warwick Medical School, with input from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) secretariat team and NHS England colleagues. The intensive 5-day course covers screening epidemiology, ethics, and policy, with teaching from experts. It is suitable for those who commission, run, or evaluate screening programmes. ## **How to apply** Visit the University of Warwick’s Health Screening module page to find out more and to apply. **The application deadline is 5 October 2026.** For questions about the course, contact [email protected]. ## **Keep up to date** The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

There is just one week left for people to apply for one of 4 vacancies on the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). The UK NSC is looking to appoint 4 new expert members to support its work advising ministers and the NHS in the 4 UK countries about all aspects of screening. The independent scientific committee is looking for individuals with a track record of national achievements in one of the following 4 roles: * data scientist * health economist/modeller * patient and public voice (PPV)/lay member * public health ## How to apply To find out more, including how to apply, please see the role descriptions and candidate information pack. **The closing date for applications is midday on Tuesday 8 September 2026.** Completed applications should be emailed to [email protected]. For any enquiries, please email [email protected] UK NSC and its host organisation the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) value and promote diversity. We encourage applications from all sections of the community. ## About the roles As well as specialist skills in their own particular area, candidates should be able to understand and critically consider complex information and scientific and/or medical data and have excellent communication skills. Lay members should have the desire to make an effective contribution as a representative of all patients, carers and members of the public. See additional information about the role of PPV members. Post holders are not paid but do receive travel and other related expenses. **Appointment term** : successful candidates are usually appointed for a 3-year term, up to a maximum of 3 terms (totalling 9 years). **Commitment:** The UK NSC meets 3 times a year to discuss and agree screening recommendations. Members are also required to engage in the development of documents relating to committee business throughout their term. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) is pleased to invite stakeholders to the latest in its series of online seminars aimed at increasing public awareness of the complexities and nuances of screening. **From vaccination to elimination: HPV and the future of cervical screening** will take place on Wednesday 30 September 2026 from 3.30pm to 5.00pm. To register to attend, please complete this short form. Registration will close at 12pm on Wednesday 30 September 2026 (BST). Further details, including joining instructions, will be sent out to registered attendees nearer the event. ## From vaccination to elimination: what the evidence tells us A recently published study led by **Professor Peter Sasieni** has examined cervical cancer mortality trends in England following the introduction of HPV vaccination. The findings add to a growing body of evidence on the impact of HPV vaccination programmes and what they could mean for efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in England and beyond. As HPV-vaccinated cohorts move through the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, important questions are emerging about the future of screening. How is cervical cancer risk changing? What role will innovations such as HPV self-sampling play? How might cervical screening evolve in a vaccinated population while continuing to protect those most at risk? This seminar will explore the findings of Prof Sasieni’s research alongside wider developments in cervical screening, vaccination and cancer prevention. Speakers will discuss the current cervical screening programme, delivery of HPV vaccination, emerging evidence on cervical cancer risk, and what the future may hold for cervical screening policy and practice. The seminar will be hosted by **Professor Anne Mackie** and will feature presentations from: * **Professor Peter Sasieni** , Professor of Cancer Epidemiology, Queen Mary University of London * **Philippa Pearmain** , Consultant in Public Health and Cervical Screening Senior Clinical Lead, NHS England * **Sharif Ismail** , Consultant Epidemiologist, UK Health Security Agency * **Carolina Guerra Martinelli** , Targeted Screening Lead, UK NSC/DHSC Attendees will also have the opportunity to take part in a question-and-answer session with the speakers. The seminar is likely to be of particular interest to screening professionals and programme leads, public health specialists, clinicians and healthcare practitioners, researchers and academics, patient and public representatives, charities and voluntary organisations. ## About our seminars The UK NSC regularly hosts seminars to encourage discussion of important developments in screening policy and practice. These events are designed to support learning, share emerging evidence and encourage engagement with stakeholders from across the screening community. ## Previous seminar topics You can see the list of our previous seminars, and details of any upcoming seminars, on the UK NSC seminars webpage. If you have an idea for a future seminar topic, please email us at [email protected]. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) makes recommendations to ministers in the 4 UK countries about all aspects of screening. At its meeting in March 2026, the independent scientific committee recommended the introduction of the UK’s first prostate cancer screening programme, targeted at one cohort of men with specific gene variants. This recommendation was informed by an updated modelling study carried out by experts at the Sheffield Centre of Health and Related Research (SCHARR). As announced in May, the government is commissioning and funding SCHARR to maintain this model for a further 3 years and continue its work with the UK NSC. This means significant new data and evidence can be considered for inclusion in the model throughout the life of the contract. Evidence will be considered for inclusion where it is of high quality, has been peer reviewed and is available in the public literature. The SCHARR model uses data and evidence from a variety of sources. Some of this information – for example, epidemiological data and NHS costs – will need to be kept updated on a rolling basis throughout the 3-year period to ensure the most up-to-date and relevant data is used before any new analyses are run. The SCHARR team and the UK NSC secretariat are already working to identify and consider new evidence, including: * whether the definition of family history and its impact on prostate cancer screening can be refined * evidence relating to risk algorithms and biomarkers, for example, the Stockholm3 test If this new evidence is found to meet the criteria for inclusion specified above, then the model will be adjusted to allow for different risk-stratified screening pathways for men based on the results of multiple tests. In addition, the UK NSC secretariat is liaising with the research team running the TRANSFORM trial, which is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The UK NSC will work with SCHARR to ensure the model is updated where any significant information emerges from this large-scale research trial, especially evidence relating to the screening of Black men. Findings from the live model will be considered carefully and inform future UK NSC recommendations. The UK NSC 2026 open call for topics is open until 30 September. Any open call submissions related to new evidence on prostate cancer can also be considered for inclusion in the model, if appropriate. ## **Keep up to date** The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) is pleased to announce 2 new dates for its online, interactive screening masterclass. The masterclass is designed for people with an interest in screening policy and practice and is suitable for those working in screening programmes, public health, healthcare, research and related fields. We also welcome people who contribute to screening through public and patient involvement. The masterclass is a full-day online learning session, designed to fit within a standard working day. Sessions combine presentations, discussion, practical exercises and quizzes, giving participants the opportunity to learn alongside colleagues from a range of professional and public involvement backgrounds. The programme includes topics such as: * the principles of screening * how screening recommendations are developed * the role of evidence in screening policy * the benefits, risks and challenges of screening programmes ## **2026 dates** The 2 new dates for the online, interactive screening masterclass are: * **Friday, 4 September 2026** * **Monday, 7 December 2026** ## **How to apply** Email [email protected] if you would like to book a place, telling us your role, organisation and which of the dates you would prefer. Please include the words 'Screening masterclass' in the subject line of your email. Places are limited and we expect demand to be high. For questions about the masterclass, please contact [email protected] ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has published the minutes of its June 2026 meeting. See UK NSC meeting June 2026 for the full draft minutes. Topics discussed by committee members at the meeting included: * antenatal and newborn screening for cytomegalovirus (CMV) * adult population screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) * placenta function screening to reduce the risk of stillbirth * screening for iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in pregnancy * antenatal and postnatal mental health conditions in pregnancy and new mothers * targeted screening for pancreatic cancer Committee members agreed that newborn screening for CMV should not be recommended because there is not enough evidence to show screening would offer clear benefits compared to existing clinical management. However, they asked for more in-depth work to be commissioned on antenatal screening for CMV after hearing that some blood tests in early pregnancy might help identify women with primary CMV infection, which can sometimes lead to serious harm for the baby. The UK NSC also decided that more work, including engagement with relevant clinical experts, should be carried out into placenta function screening to reduce the risk of stillbirth. The UK NSC maintained its recommendation against screening for IDA in pregnancy. The committee recognises IDA as an important health condition, but members agreed that the amount and type of international scientific studies are not robust enough to make a positive screening recommendation. So no further evidence work will be commissioned at this time. Members reiterated their recommendation against screening for antenatal and postnatal mental health conditions. A screening programme cannot work without a good predictive test. Although there was a large volume of evidence, the evidence for individual tests was limited and what evidence there was suggested that the ability of tests to predict illness was not good. The UK NSC also maintained its recommendation against population screening for COPD. An evidence map found no robust evidence that screening would improve illness, reduce deaths or improve health-related quality of life. As this topic has been examined before with the same conclusion, members decided it should no longer be routinely reviewed and would therefore be archived. Stakeholders can submit an open call proposal for the UK NSC to reopen this topic if new evidence becomes available that is likely to have a significant impact on the recommendation. A proposal for targeted screening for pancreatic cancer was submitted through the 2024 open call for topics and the UK NSC commissioned an evidence map on targeted screening of people at high risk of the condition. The evidence was limited and the study designs susceptible to bias, which may lead to an inaccurate understanding of its use in screening. The committee decided no further evidence review work should be carried out at this time and any future requests to examine this topic should be made through the open call process. Chair’s action was taken to maintain the UK NSC’s position not to recommend newborn screening for biliary atresia due to a lack of evidence on test accuracy or improved outcomes following screening. This topic will remain on the UK NSC’s regular review list. ## **Keep up to date** The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

Regular blog readers will know that the in-service evaluation of newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), as recommended by the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), will start in NHS services in England from October 2026. SMA is a rare but serious inherited condition that affects a person’s ability to move, speak, swallow and breathe. The UK NSC recommended an ISE to help answer important evidence gaps and demonstrate how a population-wide newborn screening programme for SMA would work in practice. The plan was to start the evaluation in the 7 newborn screening laboratories in England that already have the equipment needed to start screening for SMA. However, all partners involved in the planning of the ISE want to extend the evaluation across the rest of England to ensure as many babies as possible have access to this study. To enable this to happen, the government has issued a call to collaborate to seek additional funding to bring the remaining 6 English laboratories on board. Any organisations interested can respond via the DHSC call to collaborate. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has opened a consultation on evidence relating to screening for osteoporosis in women. Osteoporosis is one of the health conditions the committee reviews regularly for evidence relating to population screening. The UK NSC currently does not recommend screening for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, based on a 2019 review of the evidence. An evidence map was commissioned to review literature on the topic published since the previous 2019 review. Evidence maps are typically the first step in the UK NSC process of reviewing evidence. They help decide whether a more in-depth review is needed. Following the completion of the evidence map in 2025, an ‘umbrella review’ was commissioned. Also known as a ‘review of reviews’, an umbrella review brings together findings from multiple systematic reviews on the same topic and assesses how reliable the evidence is. This umbrella review has now been completed. It concludes there is currently insufficient evidence, in both quality and quantity, to support the implementation of either population or targeted screening for osteoporosis in adult women. It is likely this conclusion could only be reconsidered if new evidence becomes available from primary research trials. The UK NSC has also worked with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to clarify that NICE guidance supports individual clinical care, while the UK NSC advises on population-level screening programmes. See joint statement by NICE and UK NSC below. We have opened a public consultation to ask individuals and organisations to provide feedback on the findings and conclusions of both the 2025 evidence map and the 2026 umbrella review. ## **How to respond** To take part in the consultation, download the consultation documents by clicking on the grey ‘View documents’ button on the UK NSC’s Osteoporosis recommendation page. Then submit your response by clicking on the green ‘Submit comments’ button. **The deadline for responses is 11.59pm GMT on 7 October 2026**. ## **About osteoporosis** Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones, making them thinner and more likely to break. It is a major health concern for women after the menopause, and the risk of fracture increases sharply with age. Bone strength usually peaks in early adulthood and then gradually declines over time. After the menopause, this loss of bone strength can happen more quickly. Fragility fractures are commonly associated with osteoporosis. Fragility fractures occur after a minor fall or injury and may affect sites such as the hip, spine, or wrist. Hip fractures are particularly serious because they are associated with significant disability, loss of independence, and increased risk of death, especially among older people. ## **The 2025 evidence map** The 2025 evidence map identified one new trial and 5 systematic reviews since the 2019 review assessing the benefits of population screening among women over 65 years of age. In addition, some previously identified trials had published updated findings with extended follow-up. However, the systematic reviews reached mixed conclusions, despite overlap in the included studies. Some reported small but meaningful reductions in fractures, while others found little or no benefit of screening. Evidence remained limited on targeted screening in women and the cost effectiveness of osteoporosis screening. ## **The 2026 umbrella review** To explore the mixed conclusions of the systematic reviews identified in the 2025 evidence map, the umbrella review updated the literature search and examined the included primary trials and systematic reviews. It found that differences in review conclusions largely reflected variations in interpretation of trial evidence rather than conflicting results. Screening women aged 65 and over might slightly reduce the incidence of hip fractures, but the evidence is uncertain because of study quality concerns and uncertainty about whether the findings would translate into routine screening practice. In addition, differences in how the trials were designed, how participants were recruited, and how screening was delivered, make it difficult to apply the findings directly to any potential screening approach. Overall, there is still limited and potentially biased evidence to support screening. Based on the findings of the evidence map and umbrella review, no further evidence synthesis work on population or targeted screening for osteoporosis in women should be commissioned at the present time. More research is needed and should be encouraged to address the current evidence gaps. Targeted screening may be a more immediate research priority. Trials should use approaches that could be delivered in routine practice. ## **NICE and UK NSC joint statement** NICE has published guidance on assessing the risk of osteoporosis in men and women including those at higher risk. NICE is updating this guidance following a recent consultation exercise and expects to publish the updated guidance at the end of July 2026. The UK NSC and NICE work closely together and meet regularly to discuss areas of overlap, including on specific topics such as osteoporosis. To support a clear understanding of the respective roles of each organisation, NICE and the UK NSC have agreed the following clarifications: * the introduction of population-level screening programmes falls outside the remit of NICE guidelines * NICE guidelines recommendations are primarily intended to support decision-making in individual patient care * the UK NSC advises ministers and the NHS on national screening programmes, which are proactively offered to people without symptoms and/or not currently engaged with health services * because of the different contexts, the evidence needed for clinical guidance is not the same as the evidence needed to justify the recommendation and implementation of a nationally delivered screening programme ## **Keep up to date** The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) is looking to appoint 4 new members to support its work advising ministers and the NHS in the 4 UK countries about all aspects of screening. The independent scientific committee carefully considers evidence about the potential benefits and harms of screening in order to make recommendations on if and how screening programmes should be implemented. We are looking for 4 expert members with a track record of national achievements in one of the following roles: * data scientist * health economist/modeller * patient and public voice (PPV)/lay member * public health ## How to apply To find out more, including how to apply, please see the role descriptions and candidate information pack. **The closing date for applications is midday on Tuesday 8 September 2026.** For any enquiries, please email [email protected] UK NSC and its host organisation the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) value and promote diversity. We encourage applications from all sections of the community. ## About the roles As well as specialist skills in their own particular area, candidates should be able to understand and critically consider complex information and scientific and/or medical data and have excellent communication skills. Lay members should have the desire to make an effective contribution as a representative of all patients, carers and members of the public. Read our additional information about the role of PPV members. Post holders are not paid but do receive travel and other related expenses. **Appointment term** : successful candidates are usually appointed for a 3-year term, up to a maximum of 3 terms (totalling 9 years). **Commitment:** The UK NSC meets 3 times a year to discuss and agree screening recommendations. Members are also required to engage in the development of documents relating to committee business throughout their term. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

On 16 June, the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) and NHS England hosted an online seminar looking at the impacts of newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). More than 200 stakeholders joined us, including people from NHS trusts and health boards, genomics and screening specialists, academic institutions, patient and charity groups, the commercial sector and international health organisations. Dr Jane Chudleigh, Senior Lecturer at King's College London, delivered the presentation. She shared findings from a mixed methods evaluation looking at how screening for SCID, and a positive screening result, affects parents and carers and impacts on clinical services. It was particularly powerful to hear about the experiences of parents and carers - both from those who had received a false positive result and those whose children have been diagnosed with SCID. A lively question-and-answer session followed the presentation. The seminar was hosted by Professor Anne Mackie, UK NSC Director of Programmes, expertly supported during the Q&A session by Dr David Elliman, consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Clinical Lead for the Newborn Blood Spot Screening Programme, and Liz Robinson, Senior Newborn Pathways Development Manager at NHS England. ## Presentation slides A PDF version of the seminar presentation is available via the link below: Evaluating the impacts of newborn screening for SCID by Dr Jane Chudleigh. ## UK NSC seminar topics You can see the list of our previous seminars, and details of any upcoming seminars, on the UK NSC seminars webpage. **If you have an idea for a future seminar topic, please email us [email protected]**. ## Keep up to date We post details of new screening seminars on this blog. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles.

Following our earlier announcement that the 2026 call would open on 1 July, the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) call for proposals is now open. The open call provides an opportunity for researchers, clinicians, patient groups and other stakeholders to bring forward topics where there is evidence that screening could improve health outcomes. Proposals should be based on peer‑reviewed evidence. They should focus on screening people who are generally well and do not have symptoms, rather than focusing on the clinical management of existing patients. During the 3-month open call period, submissions are checked to see whether they fall within the UK NSC’s remit and include enough information to be considered further. We may then take forward proposals that are within remit for further evidence review work. ## **Before you submit** We have published a series of recent blog articles to help support high‑quality submissions to this year’s open call. These explain the following key concepts that are often misunderstood or where additional clarity is helpful: * what evidence is needed when proposing changes to screening * how the UK NSC considers new screening tests and their impact on the whole screening pathway * what we mean by targeted screening and how it differs from clinical management and other forms of testing Please refer to these blog articles to help you decide whether your proposal is suitable for the UK NSC open call and how best to present your evidence. ## **Making a submission** Submissions must be made during the open call period (1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026) and should follow the published guidance on what to include in a proposal and how to submit it. The guidance explains: * what types of proposals are within the UK NSC’s remit * the level and type of evidence expected * how proposals are assessed once submitted Proposals received after the closing date of 30 September 2026 will not be considered in this cycle. Outside the open call period, the UK NSC continues to review the evidence for topics that is has previously assessed. See UK NSC recommendations for more information. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

This is the fourth and final blog article in our series leading up to the opening of the UK National Screening Committee's open call, which will run for 3 months from 1 July to 30 September 2026. * * * The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) is frequently contacted by researchers, innovators and companies who are developing new screening tests and would like to see them introduced into NHS screening programmes. Innovative technologies have the potential to improve screening, for example by making tests more accurate, more acceptable, or more efficient. At the same time, screening is complex, and introducing a new test is not simply a technical ‘swap’. It can have wide-ranging consequences for people invited to screening and for NHS services. Feedback from our stakeholders has highlighted uncertainties about what evidence the UK NSC needs to see before a new screening test can be considered. This blog article helps to address by providing a brief overview of the type of evidence that should be available when proposing a new screening test for use in an existing screening programme. ## Screening is more than just a test Screening is not a single event. It is a pathway that starts with identifying the right people to invite (the eligible population), offering screening with clear information, carrying out a test, confirming results, and ensuring that effective treatment is available for those who need it. A change to the screening test can impact on many parts of this pathway, including: * how many people test positive * follow-up tests and referrals * workforce and infrastructure requirements * people’s experiences of the screening process ## Test evaluation The UK NSC expects the evaluation of new screening tests to reflect how screening works in real-world settings. This means that evidence must show not just that a test works, but that if it were used to replace the current test it would be better in some way – for example because it is easier to use, cheaper, more accurate or preferred by the public. A new test must also have met all necessary regulatory requirements before being considered by the UK NSC and evidence should be published in peer-reviewed literature. New tests need to have analytical validity, clinical validity and clinical utility. These are 3 very important concepts when considering new screening tests: * **analytical validity** considers whether a test can accurately and reliably detect what it claims to measure under laboratory conditions * **clinical validity** examines how well the test identifies people with the relevant condition in populations identified for screening * **clinical utility** considers the impact of the test on the whole screening pathway, including benefits, harms, acceptability, feasibility, and resource implications ## **Submitting a proposal to the UK NSC** The open call process considers evidence from peer-reviewed sources only, in line with the UK NSC’s established evidence review process. Once sufficient evidence has been generated for a new test, proposals can then be submitted through the UK NSC open call. In circumstances where the evidence base is still in development, researchers can seek advice on planned or ongoing work from the UK NSC’s Research and Methodology Group (RMG). This group can help clarify expectations and make sure that studies are designed to meet the evidence requirements for future evaluation. ## **Submissions to the 2026 open call** Proposals to the open call must be submitted between 1 July and 30 September 2026 to be considered. Please follow our guidance on submitting a proposal, which covers what to include and how to submit your proposal. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

This is the third blog in our series leading up to the opening of the UK National Screening Committee's open call, which will run from 1 July to 30 September 2026. * * * The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) welcomes proposals through its open call process to consider changes to screening policy. In recent years, more proposals have focused on targeted screening. This is screening aimed at people who are at higher risk of a condition than the general population. However, proposals sometimes describe interventions that more closely relate to clinical management pathways or occupational health programmes, rather than an organised screening programme. This blog explains what the UK NSC means by targeted screening, how it differs from other forms of health interventions, and what this means for people submitting topics through the open call. ## **How the UK NSC defines targeted screening** The UK NSC defines targeted screening as a nationally delivered proactive screening programme which aims to improve health outcomes in people with the condition being screened for. This is aimed at groups of people identified as being at elevated or above-average risk of a specific condition. Targeted screening differs from population screening because it is offered to smaller groups defined by risk (for example, people who smoke), rather than to large demographic groups such as people of a particular age or sex. It is important to know that, like population screening, targeted screening is nationally defined, uses electronic lists of people to proactively invite and recall, and invites people who are generally well and without symptoms (asymptomatic) of the condition that is being screened for. Its purpose is to deliver more benefit than harm at reasonable cost. Targeted screening proposals received through the open call are assessed against specific UK NSC criteria, including whether: * screening benefits outweigh the harms * the programme is acceptable and equitable * there is evidence of feasibility, including a viable way of identifying and inviting the population to be screened * screening is cost effective ## **Targeted screening is not the same as clinical** care Clinical management usually happens after a person seeks healthcare, for example because they have symptoms or concerns, or because a clinician identifies risk during routine care. Decisions about offering testing are made case by case and do not involve a regularly offered invitation process or quality assured screening pathway. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) are predominantly responsible for providing guidance for clinical management. By contrast, screening is designed to proactively and routinely invite people who do not believe that have the condition screened for. It involves a clearly defined eligible group, complete and regular (systematic) invitation, and a quality-assured (QA) pathway from invitation and screening test through to diagnosis and treatment. These features help make sure asymptomatic people who accept their screening offer receive safe, effective and evidence‑based care. Harms (for example from not being followed up or from getting the wrong test) are minimised through rigorous QA. If a screening proposal focuses primarily on how clinicians should test or manage high-risk patients within routine clinical appointments and healthcare, it is unlikely to be considered targeted screening in the UK NSC open call. During the open call review process, proposals that potentially overlap with existing National Institute for NICE and Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) guidelines will be discussed with these organisations. NICE and HIS provide evidence‑based recommendations to guide the clinical management of many health conditions. More details on the differences between targeted screening and clinical guidance can be found in our blog post 'Why screening is not the answer to inconsistently applied clinical guidance'. ## **How targeted screening differs from occupational health testing** Occupational health programmes test or monitor people because of workplace risks or regulatory requirements. These programmes are typically employer-led and are designed to manage workplace health and safety in a specific workplace or setting. By contrast, targeted screening is based on risk factors linked to a higher chance of disease, rather than being part of a particular occupational group. UK NSC-recommended screening programmes should be offered to populations defined by health or demographic risk, not by profession. An occupation-based approach sits within occupational health and the remit of the Health and Safety Executive. ## **Submissions to the 2026 open call** Proposals to the open call must be submitted between 1 July and 30 September 2026 to be considered. Please follow our guidance on submitting a proposal, which covers what to include and how to submit it. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

This is the second blog in our series leading up to the opening of the UK National Screening Committee's open call, which will run from 1 July to 30 September 2026. * * * Screening is one of the most powerful, but also potentially harmful, interventions in public health. It involves offering tests to large numbers of people who feel well - most of whom will never develop the condition being screened for. Because screening affects entire populations, the standards of evidence needed to justify it are higher than for many other healthcare interventions. Screening must be shown to do more good than harm overall, not just for individuals who may benefit from earlier diagnosis. That is why the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) applies clear principles of screening, detailed evidence review criteria and a structured evidence review process before recommending whether a screening programme should be introduced, changed or stopped. ## **UK NSC screening principles and criteria** The UK NSC uses a set of internationally recognised screening principles, reflected in its formal screening criteria. These require a well-defined population, a reliable test, and effective treatment, alongside evidence that screening provides more benefit than harm at a reasonable cost. If the criteria are met the UK NSC can recommend screening. A promising test or technology on its own is not sufficient. Introducing screening outside of the national recommendation processes risks inconsistency, avoidable harm and loss of public trust. National standards, quality assurance, and evaluation are essential safeguards. ## **Why strong evidence matters in screening** Screening inevitably identifies people who would never have become ill from the condition being tested for, as well as those who may benefit from early detection (and treatment) of a condition. False positive results, overdiagnosis (the detection of a condition that would never have caused harm during a person’s lifetime), anxiety and unnecessary follow-up are all inherent features of screening. For screening to be justified, there must be convincing evidence that: * the condition is suitable for screening * the test is accurate and acceptable * early intervention improves outcomes * harms are minimised * the whole screening pathway is deliverable and cost effective within the NHS ## **Reviewing the evidence** Evidence maps are the first step in the UK NSC’s process for reviewing screening topics. They identify what evidence exists, the volume and type of studies available, and where important gaps remain. Where evidence maps suggest substantial new or emerging relevant evidence, the UK NSC may commission further work such as: * rapid reviews (a research method to quickly gather and summarise evidence) * systematic reviews (a highly structured evidence review on a specific topic) * modelling studies (the use of a computer model to test scenarios and predict outcomes) It is important to note that the UK NSC does not fund or directly commission primary research on screening topics. Instead, it assesses the existing body of evidence and, where important gaps are identified, may highlight areas where further research would help inform a future UK NSC assessment. ## **Keeping recommendations up to date** UK NSC recommendations are reviewed regularly and updated when new evidence becomes available. This ensures they remain aligned with current knowledge while maintaining a careful consideration of potential benefits and harms. In our next blog article leading up to the opening of the 2026 open call for topics, we will look at the requirements for targeted screening proposals. See below for how to sign up to blog alerts. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The UK National Screening Committee’s (UK NSC’s) 2026 call for new screening topics will open on 1 July. This is our regular opportunity for you, our stakeholders, to submit proposals to the committee. During the 3-month open call period, any individual or organisation can propose potential new screening programmes, new technologies we have not previously reviewed, modifications to current screening programmes, or early updates (following new evidence) to topics the committee has considered recently. Proposals can cover targeted and stratified screening as well as populationscreening**.** We recommend you: * review the UK NSC criteria for population and targeted screening programmes to understand what is needed for a screening programme * check the UK NSC’s list of recommendations to see if the condition has previously been reviewed, and to understand the current recommendation and reasons behind it Please follow our instructions on what to include in your proposal and how to submit it. The open call will close on 30 September. **Proposals must be submitted between 1 July and 30 September to be considered**. We may share details provided in your proposal with other organisations to support discussions and decisions on next steps. Some information about your proposal may also be made public, for example as part of protocols for evidence products. The UK NSC will decide if the proposal is within the UK NSC remit and, if so, how it should be explored further. This work typically starts with an evidence map to review the volume and type of published peer-reviewed evidence available but other evidence products may be more suitable depending on the topic. See the UK NSC evidence review process for more details. We will aim to get back to submitters once decisions on proposals have been made by the UK NSC in spring 2027. If follow-on work is proposed, we will aim to start this as soon as possible, but timescales can vary. In the coming weeks we will publish a series of blog articles to help guide submitters of open call proposals. They will include more information about the UK NSC’s evidence requirements, its remit, and the different types of screening programme it can consider. Watch this space. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has opened a public consultation on evidence relating to screening for cardiac conditions associated with sudden cardiac death in young people. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the topics the committee reviews regularly for evidence relating to population screening. Evidence maps are typically the first step in the UK NSC process of reviewing evidence. They are rapid evidence products that provide an evaluation of the volume and type of evidence on a given screening topic. We are asking individuals and organisations to provide feedback on the findings and conclusions of a 2026 evidence map on screening for cardiac conditions associated with SCD in young people. The evidence map was commissioned to review literature on the topic published since the last evidence review in 2019. **About sudden cardiac death** SCD is a sudden and unexpected death caused by a problem with the heart. In young individuals, SCD is often due to a genetic disorder affecting the heart. Although SCD in young people is rare, it is an important health problem due to its severity. **The latest evidence** The 2026 evidence map identified the following new evidence published since 2019: * 4 systematic reviews and 17 cohort studies on the incidence of SCD in young people * 4 systematic reviews and 47 cohort studies on the accuracy of screening tests to identify conditions associated with SCD * 1 systematic review and 1 meta-analysis on the effectiveness of screening and intervention While there was a significant volume of evidence published on incidence and test accuracy, the findings are broadly consistent with previous UK NSC reviews. There is limited evidence on whether screening prevents SCD. The only systematic review identified judged the evidence to be inconclusive and of very low quality. The evidence map concludes that the volume and type of new evidence related to screening for cardiac conditions associated with SCD in young people is currently insufficient to justify more in-depth work in the form of an evidence summary. It recommends that the topic should be reconsidered in 3 years’ time. If in the interim period new evidence becomes available that is likely to have a significant effect on the recommendation, this evidence can be submitted via the UK NSC’s open call for topics. **How to respond** To take part in the consultation, download the consultation documents by clicking on the grey ‘View documents’ button on the UK NSC’s Sudden cardiac death recommendation page. Then submit your response by clicking on the green ‘Submit comments’ button. **The deadline for responses is 11.59pm BST on Monday 31 August 2026**. The UK NSC will review and consider the responses after the consultation closes. The committee then agrees a recommendation at a UK NSC meeting. It publishes meeting minutes including the recommendation around 6 weeks later. **Keep up to date** The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has published the minutes of its March 2026 meeting. See UK NSC meeting March 2026 for the full draft minutes. At the meeting, committee members agreed to recommend the introduction of the UK’s first prostate cancer screening programme, targeted at one specific cohort, after considering modelling evidence and the results of a 12-week public consultation. The updated modelling study, commissioned by the UK NSC, predicts the potential impact of various prostate cancer screening strategies, including: * population-wide screening * targeted approaches for high-risk groups, including: * Black men * men with a family history * men with specific gene variants Based on the updated evidence, the UK NSC agreed a draft recommendation at its November 2025 meeting, which it then put out to public consultation. Committee members reviewed and considered nearly 1,000 responses received during the 12-week consultation. Responses came from stakeholder organisations, health professionals, academics and nearly 900 members of the public. Subsequently, at its March 2026 meeting, the UK NSC confirmed its updated prostate cancer screening recommendation to be: * for a targeted screening programme, involving prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing every 2 years, for men aged 45 to 61 who have a pathogenic (able to cause disease) BRCA2 variant and a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer * against population screening for prostate cancer * against targeted screening for any other risk groups * continued close working with UK researchers, including the TRANSFORM trial 1, to address uncertainties in the evidence regarding targeted screening of Black men and other risk groups The committee concluded that screening is more likely to cause more harm than good in the whole population and in men with a family member who has had breast, ovarian or prostate cancer but who are without a BRCA2 variant. For Black men, there is ongoing uncertainty as to whether prostate cancer screening would cause more good than harm. The main harms of screening include incontinence and erectile dysfunction (impotence) following unnecessary biopsy or treatment. The UK NSC hopes new evidence, new tests and a better understanding of prostate cancer will support recommendations on wider prostate cancer screening in future. The prostate cancer screening modelling study will remain ‘open’ so that significant new high-quality, peer-reviewed evidence can be considered for future inclusion. The positive recommendation for screening men with a BRCA2 gene variant is slightly more restrictive that the draft recommendation, which also included screening men with a BRCA1 variant. The change was made after discussions with geneticists using published evidence and risk which concluded that those with a BRCA1 variant are not at a sufficiently elevated risk to suggest that benefits of screening would outweigh the harms. View the full evidence documents and consultation responses on the updated UK NSC prostate cancer screening recommendation page. Other topics considered by the UK NSC at its March meeting included: * targeted screening for Lynch syndrome * population screening for bladder cancer * a review into the effectiveness of the NHS Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy Screening (IDPS) Programme * screening for inherited cardiac conditions 1 The TRANSFORM trial is co-funded by Prostate Cancer UK and DHSC (through its research arm the NIHR). It will assess the benefits and harms of various screening strategies and evaluate whether they differ from the assumptions used in the current UK NSC model (in the whole population and in Black men specifically). ## **Keep up to date** The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The UK National Screening Committee holds online seminars on important themes related to screening tests and programmes. We are hosting our next seminar in conjunction with NHS England, looking at research into how newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) impacts on both parents and clinical services. The seminar will be held via MS Teams on **Tuesday 16 June 2026, 11am to 12pm (BST).** To register to attend, please complete this short form. Registration closes at 11.59pm on 15 June 2026 (BST). The presentation will be followed by a panel Q&A session. ## Impacts of screening for SCID The seminar will present findings from a mixed-methods evaluation of the NHS newborn blood spot screening in-service evaluation, looking at: * the impact of a positive screening result * challenges around providing information to families and supporting informed consent to screening * wider implications of SCID screening for families and clinical services The seminar will be hosted by Professor Anne Mackie, UK NSC Director of Programmes. The presenter will be Dr Jane Chudleigh, Senior Lecturer at King’s College London. ## UK NSC seminars Anyone with a role or interest in screening is welcome to register for this event. Feel free to share the details with colleagues. Please note our seminars are not recorded, but we share the presentation slides via the blog and our UK NSC seminars webpage. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The vertical (mother to baby) transmission rate of HIV has fallen dramatically in the 20 years since a universal antenatal screening programme was introduced (Source: Integrated Screening Outcomes Surveillance Service). Screening in pregnancy plays an important role in protecting the health of women and babies. A new UK-wide effectiveness review shows that the national NHS Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy Screening (IDPS) programmes have been highly effective in reducing the transmission of serious infections from mother to baby. Read the full report on GOV.UK. The IDPS programmes offer screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and syphilis to all pregnant women in the UK as part of routine antenatal care. Screening is recommended in every pregnancy, regardless of perceived risk, so that infections can be identified early and women and babies can receive timely treatment and support. A review team has now completed a comprehensive evaluation of the programmes, drawing on more than 2 decades of national screening data, surveillance data, outcomes data and guidance from experts in screening and the management of infectious diseases in pregnancy. ## **Importance of screening in pregnancy** Without effective intervention, HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis can all be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. This is known as vertical transmission, and it can have devastating consequences, including: * HIV can lead to lifelong infection * hepatitis B transmitted in early life often results in chronic infection and can lead to serious liver disease * syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or severe congenital infection International evidence shows that diagnosis early in pregnancy, combined with effective treatment and neonatal care, can dramatically reduce the risk of vertical transmission. The NHS IDPS programmes were introduced more than 20 years ago to ensure these benefits are delivered consistently across the UK. ## **Key findings of the review** The review, which considered data from 2000 up to 2024, assessed whether the programme has met its core objective, which is to reduce the vertical transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis from mother to baby. The review found that the proportion of pregnant women eligible for screening who have a confirmed screening result (known as coverage) remains extremely high. Between 2016 and 2024, more than 5 million pregnant women were eligible for screening in England and Northern Ireland, with coverage exceeding 99% for all 3 infections. It is rare for pregnant women to decline the offer of screening, and the number of 'declines' has fallen in recent years. The review showed there have been substantial and sustained reductions in vertical transmission, particularly for HIV and hepatitis B: * vertical transmission of HIV has fallen by around 90% since the early 2000s and is now below 0.4% * vertical transmission of hepatitis B has fallen to very low levels, reaching around 0.06% in screening year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, well below the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 2% * over 98% of pregnant women with a screen positive result for HIV were receiving treatment to supress the infection by the time they gave birth * uptake of timely hepatitis B vaccination for babies at risk has remained above 90%, exceeding international elimination targets These findings show that high screening coverage, combined with effective treatment and neonatal care, can prevent most infections in babies. ## **A more complex picture for syphilis** The review highlighted a more challenging picture for syphilis. Syphilis positivity in pregnancy has increased in recent years, reflecting wider increases in syphilis in the general population. There has also been a rise in cases of congenital syphilis. However, rates remain well below the WHO global elimination threshold. Most instances were complex cases, such as late booking into antenatal care, syphilis infection being acquired later in pregnancy after an initial negative screening result, or a lack of engagement with antenatal/health services. Without the IDPS programme, the number of cases of congenital syphilis would be much higher. These findings highlight the importance of regular review and consideration of how screening pathways may need to adapt as patterns of infection change. ## **An effective screening programme** This effectiveness review shows that the IDPS programme continues to deliver major public health benefits more than 20 years after it was introduced. It also demonstrates the importance of reviewing established screening programmes to ensure they remain effective as populations, services and disease patterns evolve. The UK NSC will consider the results as part of its ongoing work to ensure that screening programmes continue to be evidence‑based, effective and appropriate for the population. ## **Thank you** This was a collaborative piece of work, with input from stakeholders and subject matter experts across the 4 UK nations. We would like to thank everyone who was involved with the IDPS effectiveness review for their help and support throughout this project. ## **Keep up to date** The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The in-service evaluation (ISE) of newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in NHS services in England is set to start from October 2026, the latest SMA ISE Partnership Board meeting was told. The ISE will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of adding SMA to the newborn blood spot (NBS) screening programme in real-world NHS services. The findings will help inform a definitive UK NSC recommendation on whether and how to continue SMA screening. ## **Background** Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a serious rare inherited condition that affects nerves in the spinal cord. It can affect a person’s ability to move, speak, swallow and breathe. When SMA is detected early, babies can be referred promptly for clinical assessment and treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes. The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) recommended an ISE to help answer important evidence gaps and demonstrate how a population-wide newborn programme for SMA would work in practice. ISEs are used to test a change in screening policy if evidence gaps can only reasonably be filled by data collection and evaluation in a live NHS setting. The partnership board overseeing the SMA ISE planning includes screening experts from the 4 UK governments and NHS, organisations with a shared interest in newborn screening for SMA, clinicians, academics, genomic experts and patient and public voice members. ## **How the ISE will work** The evaluation will begin in the 7 newborn screening laboratories in England that already have the equipment needed to start screening for SMA. NHS England is working with stakeholders to explore how the ISE could then be extended across the rest of the country. This approach will allow data to be gathered while SMA screening runs alongside the existing NBS programme in real NHS settings. The evaluation will be delivered within established NIHR and NHS research governance frameworks. The UK NSC will remain responsible for making a national screening recommendation based on the evidence generated. ## **Updates on workstreams** NHS England is working closely with screening laboratories, clinicians, researchers, and patient organisations to prepare for the October 2026 start. Its work with the researchers will ensure: * the evaluation is conducted independently * evidence is collected consistently * future screening decisions are based on robust, high-quality data The board’s Scotland representative was pleased to inform members that Scotland is evaluating screening for SMA in its single national newborn screening laboratory and will contribute its data to the NIHR evaluation. The chair of the board’s clinical pathway sub-group reported that work is under way to make sure clinical pathways for diagnosis, referral, and treatment are clear, consistent, and well understood throughout the evaluation period. National clinical bodies will continue to be engaged as evidence from the evaluation emerges. The board also reaffirmed that providing clear, accessible information for parents and families remains a priority, both before and during screening. The membership and remit of the partnership board are now being reviewed to include the research team and other significant partners. Further updates will be shared via the blog as the evaluation progresses. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has opened a consultation on evidence relating to the use of automated grading using AI in the diabetic eye screening (DES) programme. The UK NSC does not currently recommend the incorporation of automated grading in the DES programme. This topic was first reviewed in 2021 when an evidence summary was commissioned to evaluate the use of Automated Retinal Image Analysis Systems (ARIASs). Evidence summaries are comprehensive, question-led reports that evaluate whether new evidence warrants updating screening recommendations. The 2021 review concluded that, although ARIASs showed promise, the evidence base was insufficient to support widespread implementation of ARIAS at that time. In 2024, the topic was re-submitted to the UK NSC via the open call process. Another evidence summary was commissioned to review the literature published on the topic since the 2021 evidence summary. The new review concludes that some ARIAS are as good as the first human grader and could be tested in real world NHS services, enabling information to be collected about the effect of ARIAS on patients, staff, and costs. We have now opened a consultation to ask stakeholders and members of the public to provide feedback on the new evidence summary and its conclusions. The consultation responses will be collated and reviewed so the UK NSC can consider them before making an updated recommendation. ## How to respond To take part in the consultation, download the consultation documents by clicking on the grey ‘View documents’ button on the UK NSC’s Diabetic retinopathy recommendation page. Then submit your response by clicking on the green ‘Submit comments’ button. **The deadline for responses is 11.59pm BST on********Monday 3 August 2026**. ## About diabetic eye disease and automated grading Diabetes is a health condition which causes a person’s blood sugar level to be too high. This can harm the retina located at the back of the eye. Damage to the retina, called diabetic retinopathy, can cause loss of eyesight if not found and treated early. In the UK, people aged 12 and over who have diabetes are invited for a regular eye screening test every 1 or 2 years. Pictures of the back of the eyes are assessed for changes or signs of damage by trained staff, known as primary (or first) graders. Pictures that show eye damage or are hard to read go to a second grader for a second opinion. If the 2 graders do not agree, the pictures go to a third grader to make a final decision. Individuals who have no signs of eye damage or only mild changes are recalled for their next screening test in 1 or 2 years’ time. People found to have more significant changes may need more tests and treatment. The screening process takes a lot of staff time. As the number of people with diabetes increases, so does the workload of the NHS DES Programme. ARIAS are software systems which are trained on clinical images and aim to grade patient images at the level of a primary (or first) grader using artificial intelligence. ## The evidence The 2025 evidence summary identified the following new published evidence since the evidence was collated for the 2021 review: 1. Two new studies from the UK and 5 from similar countries (including Europe and the USA) compared ARIAS to the performance of human graders in detecting diabetic eye disease. The studies found: * most ARIAS are as good as human graders at finding people with more severe diabetic eye disease * most ARIAS are not as good as human graders at finding people who do not have eye disease at all * the performance of ARIAS differs depending on which company made it, and where it was used * some ARIAS may perform differently based on patient ethnicity or age 2. Four new studies looked at how ARIAS use affects patients, staff, and a screening programme. It was not clear if the results represented what would happen if ARIAS were introduced in the UK. No studies looked at any other outcomes of using ARIAS. 3. No new UK-based studies looked at whether ARIAS were good value for money. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has opened a public consultation on evidence relating to screening for depression in adults. Depression is one of the topics the committee reviews regularly for evidence relating to population screening. At the committee's last review in 2020 it did not recommend screening for depression because: * it was unclear how well depression was identified and managed in the UK at that time * the test would wrongly identify a large number of people as having depression * it was uncertain if screening would reduce the negative impact of depression * it was not known if treating milder depression reduces the development of more severe depression in the longer term Evidence maps are typically the first step in the UK NSC process of reviewing evidence. They are rapid evidence products that provide an evaluation of the volume and type of evidence on a given screening topic. We are asking individuals and organisations to provide feedback on the findings and conclusions of a 2026 evidence map on depression in adults. The evidence map was commissioned to review literature on the topic published since the 2020 evidence review. ## About depression Depression is a mental health condition that can have a serious impact on a person’s wellbeing and ability to function. Symptoms can include persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, tiredness, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. Depression can have a significant impact on quality of life, relationships, and physical health. Subthreshold depression involves having clinically significant symptoms of depression that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. ## The latest evidence The 2026 evidence map identified a low volume of evidence published since the 2020 review. There were no studies on whether treating mild or subthreshold depression detected through screening leads to better outcomes. There were 3 studies reporting on whether screening reduces mortality and morbidity. One study in the general population found a slightly lower risk of psychiatric hospitalisation among those screened but no reduction in suicide. Two studies in specific patient groups found little to no difference between screened and unscreened groups in quality of life. The 2026 evidence map concludes that the volume and type of new evidence related to screening for depression in adults is currently insufficient to justify more in-depth work in the form of an evidence summary. It also concludes that this topic should not be reviewed again until new evidence becomes available that is likely to have a significant impact on the UK NSC recommendation. If the UK NSC accepts this conclusion, this means any future requests to review evidence relating to screening for depression in adults would need to be submitted through the UK NSC’s open call for topics. ## How to respond To take part in the consultation, download the consultation documents by clicking on the grey 'View documents' button on the UK NSC's Depression recommendation page. Then submit your response by clicking on the green 'Submit comments' button. **The deadline for responses is 11.59pm on 3 August 2026.** The UK NSC will review and consider the responses after the consultation closes. The committee then agrees a recommendation at a UK NSC meeting. It publishes meeting minutes including the recommendation around 6 weeks later. ## Keep up to date The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can register to receive updates direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email [email protected].