What is it?
Cervical screening, or a smear test, is a method of detecting abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in the cervix in order to prevent cervical cancer. The cervix is the entrance to the womb from the vagina.
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer. It is a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix. Most women’s test results show that everything is normal, but for 1 in 20 women the test will show some abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.
Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells may go back to normal on their own. However, in some cases, the abnormal cells need to be treated to prevent them becoming cancerous.
Our nurses are qualified to carry out cervical screening and tests in the form of cervical smears. In order to have a cervical smear the patient must have received a letter requesting that they have a cervical smear and the appointment must please be made for when the patient is not menstruating.
These appointments typically take around 15 minutes. For any further information or to book an appointment, please call the surgery.
Who is eligible?
All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.
| Age | When you’re invited |
|---|---|
| Under 25 | Up to 6 months before you turn 25 |
| 25 to 49 | Every 3 years |
| 50 to 64 | Every 5 years |
| 65 or older | Only if 1 of your last 3 tests was abnormal |
You can book an appointment as soon as you get a letter.
If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter to book an appointment.
