Speak To An Expert
Get clear, personalised advice for your situation.
Jot down a few questions to make the most of your conversation.
Cervical Screening: Q&A | NHS
What is Cervical Screening?
Cervical screening, also known as a smear test, is a method of preventing cervical cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities in the cervix. In the UK, the NHS cervical screening program invites women aged 25 to 64 for regular screenings to ensure that any precancerous changes are spotted and managed early.
Why is Cervical Screening Important?
Cervical screening saves lives by identifying potentially harmful changes in cervical cells before they develop into cancer. It is estimated that early detection and treatment through screening prevents around 75% of cervical cancers.
When Should You Get Screened?
The NHS recommends the following screening schedule:
- Aged 25-49: Every 3 years
- Aged 50-64: Every 5 years
What Happens During the Cervical Screening Test?
During the test, a small sample of cells from your cervix is collected using a soft brush. This sample is then sent to a laboratory to check for abnormalities, including the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cell changes that might lead to cancer if untreated.
Is the Test Painful?
While some women may find the cervical screening test uncomfortable, it should not be painful. Any discomfort typically only lasts for a very short time, and the benefits of the test far outweigh any slight inconvenience.
How Will I Get My Results?
Your results will be sent to you by letter within a few weeks. The letter will explain what was found and indicate whether any further tests or treatments are necessary. Around 90% of women have a normal result, but if an abnormality is detected, appropriate follow-up care will be arranged.
Where Can I Get More Information?
For more information about cervical screening, you can visit the NHS Cervical Screening webpage, speak with your GP, or contact local health services. Always ensure to keep your contact details up-to-date with your GP practice so you don't miss any important screening invitations.
Cervical Screening: Q&A | NHS
What is Cervical Screening?
Cervical screening is also called a smear test. It helps stop cervical cancer by finding and treating changes in the cervix early. In the UK, women aged 25 to 64 are invited for regular checks to catch changes early.
Why is Cervical Screening Important?
Cervical screening saves lives. It finds changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. Early checks and treatments stop about 75% of cervical cancers.
When Should You Get Screened?
The NHS says:
- Aged 25-49: Every 3 years
- Aged 50-64: Every 5 years
What Happens During the Cervical Screening Test?
In the test, a soft brush takes a small sample of cells from your cervix. This sample is checked in a lab for changes, like HPV, which can lead to cancer if not treated.
Is the Test Painful?
The screening might feel a bit uncomfortable, but it should not hurt. Any discomfort is quick, and the test is very important for your health.
How Will I Get My Results?
You will get a letter with your results in a few weeks. The letter will say what was found and if more tests are needed. Most women have normal results, but if something is wrong, you will get the care you need.
Where Can I Get More Information?
For more about cervical screening, you can visit the NHS Cervical Screening webpage, talk to your GP, or contact local health services. Keep your contact details up-to-date with your GP so you don’t miss any important invitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. It's a test to help prevent cancer.
Cervical screening is for all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64.
If you are aged 25 to 49, you should have a test every 3 years. For those aged 50 to 64, it should be every 5 years.
A small sample of cells is taken from your cervix using a soft brush. The sample is then tested for HPV and abnormal cells.
No, cervical screening is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer; it checks for abnormal cells that could develop into cancer.
HPV (human papillomavirus) can cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Cervical screening checks for high-risk types of HPV.
Cervical screening can be uncomfortable but should not be painful. It's a quick procedure, usually lasting less than 5 minutes.
You will receive your results by letter within 2 weeks.
Results will indicate whether HPV was found and if so, whether there were any abnormal cell changes.
If you have abnormal results, you may need further testing or treatment to remove abnormal cells and prevent them from becoming cancerous.
It's usually best to delay screening until at least 12 weeks after you've had your baby unless you have recently missed a screening or had an abnormal result.
It's best to rearrange your appointment if you're having a period as it can make the test less accurate.
The risks are very low. However, there can be false positives or negatives, which is why regular screening is important.
You can make an appointment at your GP surgery or local sexual health clinic.
Cervical screening, also called a smear test, checks if your cervix is healthy. This test helps stop cancer from starting.
Cervical screening is for all women and people with a cervix who are 25 to 64 years old.
If you are between 25 and 49 years old, you need to have a test every 3 years. If you are between 50 and 64 years old, you should have a test every 5 years.
A soft brush is used to take a tiny piece of cells from your cervix. Then, the cells are tested to check for HPV and unusual cells.
No, you do not have to get a cervical screening, but it is a really good idea to do so.
Cervical screening is not a test to find cancer. It looks for changes in cells that might turn into cancer later.
HPV is a virus. This virus can make the cells in the cervix look different. A cervical screening test looks for a bad type of HPV.
Getting your cervix checked can feel a bit uncomfortable, but it should not hurt. It is a quick test and usually takes less than 5 minutes.
You will get your results in the mail in 2 weeks.
The results will show if HPV is there. They will also show if there are any changes in the cells that might not be normal.
If your test shows something is not normal, you might need more tests or treatment. This can help find and remove any bad cells. This stops them from turning into cancer.
Using pictures and videos can help you understand better.
It is often best to wait 12 weeks after having your baby before getting a health check, unless you missed a check up before or had unusual results.
If you have your period, it's a good idea to change your appointment. This is because the test might not work as well.
The chances of a problem are very small. But sometimes, the test might say someone is sick when they are not. Or, it might miss a problem. This is why it is important to have tests regularly.
You can book a time to see a doctor or nurse at your local doctor’s office or a nearby clinic that helps with sexual health.
Ergsy Search Results
This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice.
Always seek guidance from qualified professionals.
If you have any medical concerns or need urgent help, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services immediately.
Some of this content was generated with AI assistance. We've done our best to keep it accurate, helpful, and human-friendly.
- Ergsy carefully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings.
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.