What is cervical screening?
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter or a phone call from the practice.
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 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.
Why it’s important
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
When you’ll be invited
All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening.
What happens at your appointment
During cervical screening a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix for testing.
The test itself should take no more than 5 minutes.
At Broadhurst Street Surgery the cervical smear tes is done by a female doctor.
The results
Your cervical screening results are usually sent to you in a letter.
Sometimes you’ll be asked to come back in 3 months to have the test again. This does not mean there’s anything wrong, it’s because the results were unclear. This is sometimes called an inadequate result.
Resources
Visit the NHS Choices website to find information about Cervical Cytology Screening
Patient Information
VIDEO LINK – https://bit.ly/2MC5DFP
INFORMATION LEAFLET – https://publications.cancerresearchuk.org/publication/spot-cervical-cancer-early
INFORAMTION LEAFLET IN OTHER LANGUAGES – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-description-in-brief
JO’S CERVICAL CANCER TRUST – https://www.jostrust.org.uk/professionals/health-professionals/colposcopists/resources