19/06/2026
Cervical screening can save lives ๐
Cervical screening (previously called a smear test) is a quick and simple test that checks the health of your cervix and helps prevent cervical cancer ๐
Itโs offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64, with invitations sent every 5 years ๐
The test doesnโt check for cancer itself โ it looks for a virus called HPV, which can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes can be treated early to stop cancer developing ๐
At your appointment, a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix by a nurse or doctor. It only takes a few minutes, and youโll be supported throughout to make you as comfortable as possible ๐ค
Even if you feel well and have no symptoms, itโs important to attend your screening when invited โ itโs one of the best ways to protect your health ๐
Find out more:
Cervical screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/