Cervical Screening

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. 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.
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter.
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 then checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can then be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
You'll get your results by letter, usually in about 2 weeks. It will explain what happens next.

Booking your Cervical Screening?

When you'll be invited:

All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.

Chart showing age range and when you'll be

invited for screening
Age	When you're invited
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 1 of your last 3 tests 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.

Your Results:

Your cervical screening results are usually sent to you in a letter. Sometimes you may be asked to call your GP to get the results.

When your results should arrive

The nurse or doctor who does your cervical screening will tell you when you can expect your results letter.

If you have waited longer than you expected, call your GP surgery to see if they have any updates.

Try not to worry if it is taking a long time to get your results letter.

It does not mean anything is wrong, and most people will have a normal result.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is not found in your sample

Most people will not have HPV (an HPV negative result).

This means your risk of getting cervical cancer is very low. You do not need any further tests to check for abnormal cervical cells, even if you have had these in the past.

You'll be invited for screening again in 3 or 5 years.

HPV is found in your sample

Your results letter will explain what will happen next if HPV is found in your sample (an HPV positive result).

You may need:

another cervical screening test in 1 year
a different test to look at your cervix (a colposcopy)

There are 2 different kinds of HPV positive result:

Table of the 2 possible HPV positive results
Result	What it means
HPV found (HPV positive) but no abnormal cells	You'll be invited for screening in 1 year and again in 2 years if you still have HPV. If you still have HPV after 3 years, you may need to have a colposcopy.
HPV found (HPV positive) and abnormal cells	You'll be asked to have a colposcopy.

HPV is a common virus and most people will get it at some point. You can get it through any kind of sexual contact.

Find out more about HPV

Important

Having a positive HPV result does not mean your partner has had sex with someone else while you have been together.

You might have HPV even if you have not been sexually active or not had a new partner for many years.

If you need a colposcopy

A colposcopy is a simple procedure to look at your cervix.

It's similar to having cervical screening, but it's done in hospital.

You might need a colposcopy if your results show changes to the cells of your cervix.

Find out more about having a colposcopy

Try not to worry if you have been referred for a colposcopy.

Any changes to your cells will not get worse while you're waiting for your appointment.