Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is a free health test that helps prevent cervical cancer. It checks for a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and, if you have HPV, cervical cell changes (abnormal cells). It is not a test for cancer.

You should be invited for cervical screening if you have a cervix. Women are usually born with a cervix; trans men and non binary and intersex people may also have one.

You are automatically invited for cervical screening if you are between 25 and 64years.

How often will I be invited for cervical screening?

Your result will help decide when you are next invited for cervical screening:

You may be invited

~every year

~every 3 years

~every 5 years

Straight to colposcopy for more tests

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.

Now that HPV primary screening is used, it is even better as it is based on your individual risk. This means how frequently you are invited for cervical screening is based on your last result and within a timeframe that is safe for you.

If you have been invited for cervical screening you may book a free appointment at Choices. If you are having regular bleeding it is best to attend in the middle of your cycle.

It is perfectly normal to feel nervous and anxious about the procedure and we are more than happy to chat through your concerns /provide further information prior to booking an appointment for cervical screening.

 

For further information visit https://www.jostrust.org.uk/