A Cervical screening, also known as a Smear Test, is a way of preventing cancer. It tests for a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). High risk HPV can cause cervical cells to become abnormal. Virtually all cases of cervical cancer are linked to high risk HPV.
The cervix is part of the female reproductive system. It is the lowest part of the womb and is at the top of the vagina. A nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix using a small brush and sends the sample to the laboratory.
HPV primary screening
England, Wales and Scotland are using HPV primary screening. HPV primary screening tests the cervical cells for the HPV virus first. The laboratory will look to see if you have high risk HPV. If high risk HPV is found, the laboratory will test your sample for cell changes.
High risk HPV can cause cell changes in the cervix, which over time can develop into cancer if left untreated. Not all cell changes will develop into cancer but it’s important to monitor any changes and give treatment if necessary.
Who can have cervical screening?
The NHS cervical screening programme invites everyone with a cervix from age 25 to 64 for cervical screening. You will get a letter every 3 to 5 years if you are aged 25 to 49. After that, you get an invite every 5 years until the age of 64.
Once you receive this letter, you can contact us to book an appointment with one of our nurses. You will be offered a chaperone or can bring someone with you for support.
Please see the NHS website for more on what to expect and how to prepare for your first screening.
More helpful information can be found at Jo’s Trust Website
