Cervical screening

Smear Tests - Have you had yours?

All women between the ages of 25 – 64 are eligible for a regular smear test.

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening is not a test for diagnosing cervical cancer. It is a test to check the health of the cervix, which is the lower part of the womb (often called the neck of the womb).  For many women the test results show that everything is fine, but for one in ten women, it shows changes in the cells, which can be caused by many things.  Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer.

Why do women need cervical screening ?

Cervical cancer can often be prevented. The signs that it may develop can be spotted early on so it can be stopped before it even gets started.  Around 900 women die of cervical cancer in England each year.  However, many of those who develop it have not been screened regularly. Not going for cervical screening is one of the biggest risk factors for developing cervical cancer.

Scientists from Cancer Research UK estimate that up to 4,500 lives will be saved each year in England by cervical screening.

Should all women have the test?

We offer the test to all women aged between 25 and 64 but cervical cancer is more common if women are:

  • smokers
  • first had sex at an early age
  • have had several sexual partners or have had a sexual partner who has had several other partners
  • take immunosuppressant drugs (for example, after an organ transplant)

If a woman has passed the menopause, she still may need to be tested to check that the cervix is healthy. Women should ask a doctor for advice if they have:

  • had a hysterectomy
  • are over 65
  • never had sex with a man
  • are not sure whether they still need to be tested

After the first cervical screening, women will receive invitations every three years between the ages of 25 and 49.and then every five years between the ages of 50 and 64. 

If you think a smear test is due but you have not received a letter, contact your GP surgery to find out when you are likely to be called.  If a problem occurs between tests then visit your GP. Do not wait until the next smear test is due.

How reliable is cervical screening ?

Early detection and treatment can prevent around 75% of cancers developing but, like other screening tests, it is not perfect. It may not always detect early cell changes that may lead to cancer.

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