The aim of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme is to reduce the number of women who develop cervical cancer and the number of women who die from the condition.
Since the screening programme was introduced in the 1980s, the number of cervical cancer cases has decreased by about 7% each year.
All women who are registered with a GP are invited for cervical screening;
- Aged 25 to 49 – every 3 years
- Aged 50 to 64 – every 5 years
- Over 65 – only women who haven’t been screened since age 50 or those who have recently had abnormal tests
Being screened regularly means any abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix can be identified at an early stage and, if necessary, treated to stop cancer developing.
But cervical screening isn’t 100% accurate and doesn’t prevent all cases of cervical cancer.
Screening is a personal choice and you have the right to choose not to attend.
Booking your Appointment
You’ll receive a letter through the post asking you to make an appointment for a cervical screening test. The letter should contain the details of the place you need to contact for the appointment.
Screening is usually carried out by the practice nurse at your GP clinic. You can ask to have a female doctor or nurse.
If possible, try to book an appointment during the middle of your menstrual cycle (usually 14 days from the start of your last period), as this can ensure a better sample of cells is taken.
It’s best to make your appointment for when you don’t have your period.
If you use a spermicide, a barrier method of contraception or a lubricant jelly, you shouldn’t use these for 24 hours before the test, as the chemicals they contain may affect the test.
The cervical screening test usually takes around 5 minutes to carry out.
You’ll be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on a couch, although you can usually remain fully dressed if you’re wearing a loose skirt. The doctor or nurse will gently put an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. This holds the walls of the vagina open so the cervix can be seen.
A small soft brush will be used to gently collect some cells from the surface of your cervix.
If you find the test painful, tell the doctor or nurse as they may be able to reduce your discomfort.
Try to relax as much as possible as being tense makes the test more difficult to carry out. Taking slow, deep breaths will help.
The cell sample is then sent off to a laboratory for analysis and you should receive the result within 2 weeks.
HPV Vaccination
Since Sept 2008, there’s has been a national program in place to vaccinate 12-13 year old girls against HPV. There is also a 3 year catch up campaign that offers the HPV vaccine to 12-18 year old girls. It is delivered through secondary schools, consisting of 3 injections over a 6 month period.
HPV is the name of a family of viruses effecting the skin and membranes lining up the body (cervic, anus, mouth and throat). There are more than 100 different types of the HPV virus and are classed as high and low risk.
- HPV effecting the skin can be passed via skin-to-skin contact
- HPV that effects the throat and mouth can be passed on through kissing
- Genital HPV is spread via sexual intercourse
- You can have the genital virus for years withouth any sign of it
HPV infections can be harmless or may cause genital warts, however some can cause Cancer. Most HPV infections clear up by themselves, but in some people the infection can last a long time, HPV infects the cells of the surface of the cervix where it can remain un-noticed without you knowing that it is there. The HPV virus can damage these cells leading to changes in their appearances.
The purpose of cervical screening is to detect these changes, and if picked up early enough, can be treated to prevent cancer from developing. If left un-treated, ccancer can develop, leading to serious illness and death.
To book an your appointment please ask one of our receptionists to book your appointment
Resources
- Cancer Research UK – HPV Facts and Information
- NHS Choices – Cervical Screening – The why, when and how guide to cervical screening
- Cervical Screening – The factsheet for women who would like to have further information about having a cervical smear test for screening.
- NHS Choices – HPV Vaccination
- HPV Vaccine – The factsheet for people who would information about the HPV vaccine
All links come from trusted sources, however, if you are unsure about them or any other medical concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice