What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening is a free health test available on the NHS as part of the national cervical screening programme. It helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus called high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes. It is not a test for cancer.
It is your choice whether to go for cervical screening. We hope this information helps you make the best decision for you and your health.
If you have symptoms, contact the Surgery about having an examination. Cervical screening is not for people who have symptoms.
Who should be invited?
You should be invited for cervical screening if you have a cervix. Women are usually born with a cervix. Trans men, non-binary and intersex people may also have one.
In the UK, you are automatically invited for cervical screening if you are:
- between the ages of 25 to 64
- registered as female with a GP surgery.
You may get your first invite up to 6 months before you turn 25. You can book an appointment as soon as you get the invite.
How often will I be invited?
Your cervical screening result will help decide when you are next invited for cervical screening.
You may be invited:
- every year or sooner if you have been referred to Colposcopy
- every 3 years
- every 5 years
Benefits of cervical screening
Cervical screening aims to identify whether you are at higher risk of developing cervical cell changes or cervical cancer. This means you can get any care or treatment you need early.
It is not a test to identify cancer – it is a test to prevent cancer developing
Cervical screening invites and Coronavirus
Across the UK, cervical screening invites are being sent. If you have an invite, or had your test cancelled because of coronavirus, you are now able to book an appointment.
Booking your appointment at Rosedean Surgery
Cervical smear appointments are available at any time during the day so please request a time that suits you best. We know that for working women, it is helpful to have appointments available later in the day.
Please contact us – 01579 343133 – to book an appointment for this important screening test or to discuss further if you wish to defer or cease screening.
We look forward to receiving your call.
If it is your first cervical smear
We strongly recommend that you visit Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust website: www.jostrust.org.uk/
This has lots of information about what to expect at your appointment and there is also a helpline to answer any queries or concerns.
NHS: Cervical Screening also contains useful information.
Please be assured that our nurse will explain the procedure fully to you and treats all patients sympathetically and sensitively.