Cervical screening
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, it’s a way of preventing cancer from developing. It looks for high risk types of human papilloma virus (HPV) that may lead to cervical cancer, which can be detected years before cancer develops.
If you don’t have HPV, your risk of cervical cancer is very low. If someone has HPV, the sample will be checked for cell changes. And if these are found, they may need further testing and possibly treatment. Cervical screening prevents about 7 in 10 (70%) deaths from cervical cancer.
Who should attend screening?
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are entitled to cervical screening on the NHS, as soon as they receive their first invitation (which may be about 6 months before their 25th birthday).
Approximately 8 in 10 people get HPV at some point in their lifetime. It is spread by any intimate touching and not just penetrative sex. You do not need to have had multiple sexual partners to get HPV.
Usually HPV and cervical cell changes do not have any symptoms so it is important you get tested even if you don’t have any symptoms.
What happens when I come for my smear test?
Your nurse gives you a private space to undress from the waist down and asks you to lie on a bed.
They will gently place a clean speculum into your vagina. A speculum is a hollow cylinder with a rounded edge made of plastic. It opens so your nurse can see your cervix.
Your nurse will then use a small, soft brush to gather cells from your cervix.
That’s it! Your sample of cells will be sent for testing.
What should I do if you are worried about cervical screening?
Many women and people with a cervix don’t find cervical screening painful, but we know that some people do. There are different reasons for this including anxiety, vaginismus, female genital mutilation (FGM), if you have been a victim of sexual violence and menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness.
There are lots of things that can be done to try to make the smear test more comfortable, which we can support you with. Often a smaller speculum and plenty of lubrication can be used, which can feel more comfortable.
Women with menopausal dryness may benefit from using a vaginal oestrogen in advance of the procedure. You can speak to your doctor about having this prescribed.
If you are feeling anxious about the smear test there are different strategies you can use to try to relax including breathing exercises or bringing something to distract you during the appointment. You can also bring someone with you to support you during the procedure if that would make you feel more comfortable.
Our nurses would be happy to discuss the procedure with you in advance and try to accommodate any wishes you have to make the procedure more comfortable. They can also discuss with you in advance what cervical smear testing involves and show the equipment used. If you choose to go ahead with the cervical smear test it can be stopped at any point if you are finding it too uncomfortable.
If you have been a victim of sexual violence and are feeling anxious about having your smear test there is a specialist clinic that you can attend. You can book via this website https://mybodybackproject.com/cervical-screening-clinics/
Common myths
I have not had sex or I have only had sex with one person and therefore I don’t need to have the smear test
Approximately 8 in 10 people get HPV at some point in their lifetime. It is spread by any intimate sin-to-skin contact and not just penetrative sex. You do not need to have had multiple sexual partners to get HPV.
I don’t have any symptoms so I don’t need the smear test
Usually HPV infection does not present with any symptoms so it is important you get tested. If you are having symptoms you are concerned about please book an appointment with your GP.
I am LGBT+ so I don’t need to have the smear test
All women and people with a cervix between age 25 and 64 can go for regular cervical screening, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Most cervical cell changes and cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with HPV. As HPV can be passed on through any skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, anyone having any kind of sex is at risk of getting it.
I have had the HPV vaccine so I don’t need the smear test
No – the vaccine given on the NHS protects against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which are linked with 7 in 10 (70%) cervical cancers. However, there are some other high-risk types of HPV not covered by the vaccine. So those who have been vaccinated should still be invited and think about attending cervical screening.
I have had the same partner for many years so I don’t need the smear test
We know that HPV can lie dormant for many years and then reactivate, so even if your smear was normal in the past it may not be now.
Other Languages
Romanian – https://www.jostrust.org.uk/video/roma-spoken-your-guide-cervical-screening
Further information
Jo’s cervical Cancer Trust Website https://www.jostrust.org.uk/information/cervical-screening
NHS England https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/
