All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.
Please note that Cervical Cytology is part of a National Screening programme. A cervical smear may only be carried out if you have received a notification from the National Screening office that your smear is due or if you receive an invite from the surgery.
We will not be able to carry out cervical smears at patient's request as these samples will be refused by the National Screening Programmers.
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 not found, you do not need any further tests. 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.
You'll get your results by letter, usually in about 2 weeks. It will explain what happens next.
If you would like some more information please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/why-its-important/