Cervical Screening

Cervical Screening is also known as the “smear test”. The test checks cells from your cervix and looks for any changes so they can be treated or monitored. Without treatment cell changes can develop into cancer.

Who is Offered Testing?

Women between 25-64 years are offered cervical screening every 5 years.

Women under 25 who have already been invited to screening may be invited again before they reach 25.

Some women are offered screening more frequently up to the age of 70.

Why Offer Cervical Screening?

Cervical screening saves around 5,000 lives every year in the UK.

It prevents 8 out of 10 cervical cancers developing.

It can pick up changes even when you feel healthy and have no symptoms.

It is the best protection against cervical cancer even if you have been immunised against HPV – the virus which causes cell changes.

We strongly encourage all women in the above age ranges to attend for this very worthwhile screening test. The test is carried out by our Practice Nurse, Joanne Hilley, who would be happy to answer any queries or questions you may have.