What is cervical screening?

This is a free health test available on the NHS as part of the national cervical screening programme. It helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cell changes. It is not a test for cancer, it is to help prevent cancer.

In the UK, you are automatically invited for cervical screening if you are between the ages of 25 and 64 and registered with a GP surgery as female. If you have a cervix but do not receive an invite, please contact your practice.

You may get your first invite up to six months before you turn 25 years of age. You can book an appointment at your GP surgery as soon as you get the invite.

Your cervical screening result will help decide when you are next invited for cervical screening.

Along with the HPV vaccine, cervical screening is the best way to protect against cervical cancer and prevents over seven in 10 diagnoses.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer symptoms include vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, changes to vaginal discharge, discomfort during sex and pain in your lower back or pelvis. If you have symptoms, you should contact your GP - they are keen to see you as soon as possible.

The main cause of cervical cancer is a virus called high-risk HPV. High-risk HPV sometimes causes changes in the cells of the cervix, which can develop into cervical cancer. On average this happens slowly, between about five and 20 years.

HPV is common – around eight in 10 people will have it at some point in their lives. But cervical cancer itself is not common, which means that having high-risk HPV does not mean you will definitely develop cervical cancer.

Research shows that having high-risk HPV alone is not enough for cervical cancer to develop – there are usually other risks working in combination with high-risk HPV. These risks include being a smoker, having a weakened immune system and taking the oral contraceptive pill.

How can you lower the risk of cervical cancer?

Although the average lifetime risk of cervical cancer is already low, there are some things that you can do that may lower it even more.

If you are under 25, you might be able to get the HPV vaccine for free. Some people over this age are also eligible for a free vaccine. You might also be able to pay privately for a vaccine.

Smoking weakens your immune system, so stopping smoking means your body is better able to get rid of HPV. You might be wanting to give up this new year. If you would like support or advice to stop smoking, Smokefree Norfolk can help.

Cervical screening can find high-risk HPV and cell changes which may develop into cervical cancer. It means you can have treatment or monitoring to prevent cervical cancer from developing.

Eastern Daily Press:

What is the difference between a smear test and cervical screening?

There is no difference between a smear test and cervical screening - they are two different names for the same test. A smear test is the older name for the test. The test is different now and most healthcare professionals call it cervical screening. Your letter will invite you to attend cervical screening.

I’m worried about attending a cervical screening, what should I do?

If you’re anxious about attending a cervical screening appointment because it’s your first one, you’ve have had a difficult experience in the past, or are generally unsure or worried, please speak to your GP or nurse.

They will be happy to talk you through the process and discuss anything which can be put in place to make your experience comfortable.

I’m struggling to fit an appointment around my busy life, what options are there for me?

Since October 2022, some GP practices now offer patients evening and weekend appointments to enable people to select a convenient time for them.

I am supporting a person with learning disabilities around attending a cervical screening, what support is available?

There is lots of information, resources and support via Public Health England to help people with learning disabilities to access cervical screening - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-supporting-women-with-learning-disabilities/supporting-women-with-learning-disabilities-to-access-cervical-screening

You can also find out more about cervical screening and cancer through the NHS website, Cancer Research UK or Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

Dr Suzanne Phillips is clinical lead for the Cancer Transformation Programme, NHS Norfolk and Waveney.