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Home > Cervical smear screening

Cervical smear screening

Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening of your womb accessed through your vagina. It is not a test for cancer, it is a test to help prevent cancer and identify early warning cells.

When will you be invited for cervical screening?

You will receive a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.

The ages you are invited

Age When you are invited
under 25 up to 6 months Before you turn 25
25 to 49 Every 3 years
50 to 64 Every 5 years
65 or older Only if 1 of your last 3 tests was abnormal

What happens during the appointment

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.

If these types of HPV are not found, you do not need any further tests.

If these types of HPVare 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.

It is best to book an appointment for a time when you are not having a period and / or have finished treatment for unusual vaginal discharge or a pelvic infection.

For a video on how cervical screening is carried out and for more information please follow the link: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/what-happens-at-your-appointment

Results

You will get your results by letter, usually in 2 weeks. It will explain what happens next. If you have waited longer than expected, call your GP surgery to see if they have any updates.

Further help and support with cervical screening

  • Support for LGBT people: the LGBT Foundation has information and support about cervical screening for LGBT people: lgbt.foundation (EXTERNAL PDF LINK)
  • For further information on cervical screening please follow the link to the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening

Easy Read Information

  • Easy Health have information on cervical screening: www.easyhealth.org.uk/resources/category/35-cervical-cancer
  • GOV.UK has an easy read guide to cervical screening: www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-easy-read-guide

Last Updated 21 Mar 2025

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