What is cervical screening?
- Cervical screening, or the “smear test,” is a routine health check that identifies potentially harmful cells and changes on the cervix.
- It is the best way to prevent cervical cancer and saves 4500 women’s lives each year.
- Cervical screening is still needed even if all HPV vaccines have been given.
- Cervical screening checks a sample of cells from your cervix for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
- If high risk types of HPV are found during the screening, the sample of cells is also checked for abnormal cell changes.
- If abnormal cells are found, they can be treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer. This is usually a referral to the Colposcopy clinic.
Who is the screening for?
If you are a woman, or someone with a cervix, you will be invited for cervical screening at regular intervals:
You will receive your first cervical screening invitation around your 25th birthday. You can then contact the Practice to arrange your appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, please book an appointment with one of our nurses to discuss the procedure.
If you are aged 25 to 49, you will be invited every 3 years.
If you are aged 50 to 64, you will be invited every 5 years.
If you are due to have a cervical screening, you will receive a letter or text message. Do not ignore it, book your cervical screening as soon as possible.
We are there to answer any questions or concerns you may have before your appointment. You can contact us on 01254 964974 or come to reception.
You do not need to have your smear test at this appointment; it can just be a discussion with the qualified nurse.
If you are unable to make your screening during working hours, please ask for an appointment with our extended hours service.
What happens during cervical screening?
Your appointment
The actual ‘smear’ test will only take a minute or two, the whole appointment usually takes around ten minutes. The trained nurse will give you a private space in which to undress from the waist down. They will also give you a paper sheet to cover yourself and will ask you to lie on the bed. They will then place a speculum (a hollow cylinder with a rounded edge) in your vagina. This helps them see your cervix. Then, using a small brush, they will gently gather some cells from your cervix. They will remove the speculum, put your sample in a pot and send it off for testing.
There are a range of things you can do to put yourself at ease during your screening:
- If you would like, you can take a trusted friend or family member with you.
- Take long, deep breaths to help you relax.
- Listen to some music during your screening to help put you at ease.
The qualified and trained nurse will always ensure that your screening is overseen with the upmost and respectful care.
The below websites have useful information about cervical screenings. Please take a couple of minutes to read them.
Facts and Tips for Cervical Screening | The Eve Appeal
Cervical screening - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Cervical screening: standard invitation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Remember, attending your cervical screening appointments is important for your health and wellbeing. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Cervical Screening can stop cancer before it starts. Don't ignore your cervical screening invite. If you missed your last cervical screening, book an appointment with us today.