Cervical screening (smear test) is not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer. Screening checks the health of the cervix and if any abnormalities are detected the earlier these are picked up can lead to a better chance of a successful outcome. All women with a cervix are invited to attend screening, women aged 25 to 49 are invited every three years and those aged 50 to 64 are invited every five years.
Nationally cervical screening uptake is at 20-year low, with only around 70% of eligible women accepting their invite. Nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day in the UK, with around 3,000 cases diagnosed each year, and it is the most common cancer in women under the age of 35. If all eligible women had regular smear tests over 80% of cervical cancers would be prevented. The test usually takes no longer than five minutes and while the procedure can be a little bit uncomfortable, it isn’t painful.
One of the reasons women put off attending screening is due to embarrassment or being worried than it will hurt. Most cervical screening is done in a GP Surgery by a female nurse or doctor. If you have received your screening invite but have yet to make an appointment please don’t put it off, book your appointment, let’s stop cancer before it starts.
Cervical screening is simple, quick and while the procedure can be a little bit uncomfortable, it isn’t painful. We urge local women to take a few minutes out of their day to attend this incredibly important appointment. It could be a life-saver.”
Most cervical cancer cases are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus and at some point in our lives most of us will catch the virus. The HPV vaccine, which is offered to all girls in the UK aged 12 to 13 as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme protects against two types of HPV which are responsible for more than 70% of cervical cancers in the UK. Because the vaccine doesn’t prevent all types of cervical cancer, it’s crucial that all women attend their screening appointments, even if they’ve had the vaccine.
Women should also be aware of sign and symptoms to look out for including unusual vaginal bleeding, lower back pain or pain during sex please speak to your GP.
If you’ve overdue your smear, don’t worry, it’s not too late. Call your GP practice today and get booked in. Below is a video of ‘Sarah’s’ first smear test, watch it to see how she got on: