What is Cervical Screening?
Cervical screening is a way of preventing cancer by finding and treating abnormal cell changes in the neck of the womb (cervix). These changes could lead to cancer if left untreated.
The screening uses a test called cytology, which many people may know as the smear test.
In some cases, the samples are also tested for the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus increases the risk of cervical cancer.
Who Should be screened?
The NHS cervical screening programme invites women from ages 25 to 64 for cervical screening. Women aged 25 to 49 are invited every 3 years. After that, women are invited every 5 years until the age of 64.
You need to be registered with a GP to get your screening invitations.
See further information on the cancer research website via link below:
Cancer Research UK - Cervical Cancer