This week is cervical screening awareness week! Cervical screening (also known as your smear test) 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 your choice whether to go for cervical screening, but we encourage everybody with a cervix to attend when they are invited by their GP!

In the UK, you are automatically invited for a smear test if you are

• Aged 25-64

• Registered as female with a GP surgery

You may get your first invite up to 6 months before you turn 25.

Did you know, 1 in 4 people don’t attend their cervical screening test!

Frequently asked questions about cervical screening:

Does it hurt to have a smear?

It should not hurt to have your smear test, although it may feel uncomfortable. If you are worried about the smear test causing you pain, have a chat to your GP or practice nurse and they can explain ways they can make the test easier for you.

What is the smear test looking for?

A cervical screening test is looking for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Cervical cell changes are common, and often improve naturally. But sometimes these changes need treatment because there is a risk they may develop into cancer.

How do you prepare for a smear test?

You do not need to do anything to prepare for a smear test, you may find it helpful to wear loose and comfortable clothing that you can remove easily.
You will usually be advised by your GP practice before your smear to plan your appointment for a day you do not have a period, and to avoid vaginal medications, lubricants and creams for 2 days before the test.
You may want to take a panty liner with you for you smear test, as you may experience some light spotting afterwards for a short period of time.

Should I have a smear test if I am LGBTQ+?

Cervical screening is for anyone who has a cervix, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The main risk factor for cervical cancer is HPV. HPV can affect all sexual orientations and anyone who has ever been sexually active. If you are lesbian or bisexual you are still at risk and should have screening.

If you are a trans man or non-binary person and have a cervix, you should have screening too. But, you may not be sent an invitation if you are registered as male with your GP. It is very important to tell your GP that you have a cervix and want to have cervical screening, so that they can arrange regular tests for you!

You do not need cervical screening if you are a trans woman or were assigned male at birth.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (Jo’s Trust) has detailed further information about cervical screening for trans and non-binary people, this includes information about having a smear test, trans-specific clinics and support.

You can read more about what the results of cervical screening mean on one of our previous posts, here:

WHEN YOU SHOULD BE INVITED FOR CERVICAL SCREENING

This is based on your age, as follows:

• Under 25 years of age: up to 6 months before you turn 25

• 25 to 49 years of age: every 3 years

• 50 to 64 years of age: every 5 years

• 65+ years of age: Only if 1 of your last 3 tests was abnormal

If you have previously received an invite letter but not yet booked in please call the surgery on 01926 810939 to make an appointment.