How cervical screening helps prevent cancer
Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix and helps find any abnormal changes before they can turn into cancer.
It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
Cervical screening checks a sample of cells from your cervix for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
These types of HPV can cause abnormal changes to the cells in your cervix and are called “high risk” types of HPV.
If high risk types of HPV are found during screening, the sample of cells is also checked for abnormal cell changes.
If abnormal cells are found, they can be treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening
Who should have cervical screening
All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening.
| Age | When you should have cervical screening |
|---|---|
| Under 25 | Up to 6 months before you turn 25 |
| 25 to 49 | Every 3 years |
| 50 to 64 | Every 5 years |
| 65 or older | Only if a recent test was abnormal |
To book your cervical screening appointment please contact the surgery.