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Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It is a method of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities which, if left untreated, could lead to cancer in a woman’s cervix (the neck of the womb). The first stage in cervical screening is usually a smear test.

 

During a smear test, a sample of cells is taken from the cervix for analysis. A doctor or nurse inserts an instrument (a speculum) to open the woman’s vagina and uses a spatula to sweep around the cervix. Most women consider the procedure to be only mildly uncomfortable. Early detection and treatment can prevent 75% of cancers developing but like other screening tests, it is not perfect. It may not always detect early cell changes that could lead to cancer. 

All women between the ages of 25 and 64 are eligible for a free cervical screening test every three to five years. The suggested frequency of screening is:

 

Age group (years)	Frequency of Screening
25	First invitation
25-49	3 yearly
50-64	5 yearly
65+	Only screen those who have not been screened since age 50 or have had recent abnormal test

Invasive cervical cancer is rare in women under 25. Teenagers’ bodies, particularly the cervix, are still developing, which means young women may get an abnormal smear result when there is nothing wrong. This could lead to unnecessary treatment so screening young women might do more harm than good.

 

Women aged 65 and over who have had three consecutive negative smears are taken out of the call recall system. The natural history and progression of cervical cancer means it is highly unlikely that such women will go on to develop the disease. Women aged 65 and over who have never had a smear are entitle to a test. 

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme invites all women between the ages of 25 and 64 for cervical screening. But if a woman has never been sexually active with a man, then the research evidence shows that her chance of developing cervical cancer is very low indeed. We do not say no risk, only very low risk. In these circumstances, a woman might choose to decline the invitation for cervical screening on this occasion. If a woman is not currently sexually active but has had male partners in the past, then we would recommend that she continues screening. 

You may attend any of the listed WYPS Family Planning Clinics for cervical screening without prior appointment, or you can attend any cervical screening drop in clinic. It is best to ensure that you are not bleeding when you attend the clinic.

 

Reference: www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical/#whatis