Navigation

You are here: Main Hub » Health Screening » Cervical Screening

Cervical Screening

Cervical screening helps detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they turn into cancer. It’s a quick test offered on the NHS to women and people with a cervix, helping protect against cervical cancer before symptoms appear.

Did you know?

Attending regular cervical screening appointments, even if you feel well, can help detect early changes and reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but tips may change over time. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance.

What is cervical screening?

Find out what cervical screening is and how it can help protect you from cervical cancer.

  • All women aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to cervical screening to check the health of their cervix. Cervical screening used to be called a smear test.
  • Everyone with a cervix should go for cervical screening.
  • The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina.
  • It's not a test for cancer, it's a test to help prevent cancer.
  • 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. These are called "high risk" types of HPV.
  • If these types of HPV are not found, you do not need any further tests.
  • If these types of HPV are found, the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
  • The nurse or doctor will tell you when you can expect your results letter.

Important

Try not to put off cervical screening. It's one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

Content is correct as of May 2025 but may be subject to change as ongoing site maintenance is carried out

Related Links

Accessibility Tools

Your choices will be saved as a non-identifying cookie. This means that each time you load a webpage from this website, your chosen accessibility options will be applied. These cookies will last for 28 days before resetting.

Text To Speech

When text to speech is active, you can click the play button to hear the whole sites content read aloud. You can also highlight a section of text and press play, to hear only the highlighted text.

Settings

1
1

Translate

Choose a language from the Google provided selector below.

Screen Mask

A screen mask is a reading tool which follows your cursor. It allows you to remove distractions from around the page and gives a clear area of focus.

Text Size

Use these icons to increase, decrease or reset the size of the text throughout the site.

Contrast

Change the colour of text and the background of the site with the selectors below. This removes images and makes the content across the site easier to read.