Cervical Screening

what is Cervical screening

Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina. It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer. During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix. The sample is checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. These are called “high risk” types of HPV. If these types of HPV are found, the sample is then checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can then be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.

Target population

Cervical screening is available to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 in England.

All eligible people who are registered with a GP (as female) automatically receive an invitation by mail. Trans men (assigned female at birth) do not receive invitations if registered as male with their GP, but are still entitled to screening if they have a cervix.

The first invitation is sent to eligible people at the age of 24.5 years. People aged 25 to 49 receive invitations every 3 years. People aged 50 to 64 receive invitations every 5 years.  Cervical screening is not recommended for anyone under 25 years old who has not been invited.

Results

If HPV is not found, the individual will be offered a screening test again in 3 to 5 years (depending on age).  Individuals who do have HPV will have cytology triage carried out on the same sample. This is to see if HPV has caused abnormal cell changes.

How to Opt Out- If you do not want to be invited for screening , contact the receptionist and ask to be taken off the cervical screening List. You can ask to put you back on the list at any time if you change your mind.

Patient support information – External Links

Smear Campaign Charities

• Cervical screening (smear test) | Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (jostrust.org.uk)
• The Smear Campaign supported by OHM Charities
• Welcome to GRACE Charity – Gynaecological Cancer Awareness & Funding (grace-charity.org.uk)