- Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix, which is the opening to your womb from your vagina.
- It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
- All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter.
- During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix.
- The sample is tested for changes to the cells of your cervix.
- Finding abnormal changes early means they can be monitored or treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
- Approximately 2 weeks after screening, you will get your results by letter.
When you receive your reminder letter, please contact the practice to arrange your cervical screening appointment. These appointments can also be booked online.
Cervical screening saves 5000 lives a year. It is not a test for cervical cancer, it is a screening test to detect abnormalities in the cells of the cervix at an early stage.
When you receive an invitation to cervical screening from the Practice, please, don’t ignore it. It takes just a few minutes and could save your life.
We know that you may feel nervous, concerned or embarrassed but please don’t let any worries put you off attending. If you would like to speak to one of our nursing team before booking your appointment, we are happy to discuss the process with you and will do our best to put your mind at ease.
Lots of helpful information about cervical screening, and further support, can be obtained from Jo’s Trust.
Download or view this helpful Smear Test Guide
Important
Try not to put off cervical screening. It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.