Cervical Screening

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.

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.

If abnormal cells are found, they can be treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.

When you'll be invited for 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

You can book an appointment as soon as you get a letter.

If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter to book an appointment.

Find out how to book a cervical screening appointment