Cervical screening (often called a “smear test”) checks the health of the cervix. The cervix is the opening to the womb from the vagina. Screening looks for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause abnormal changes to cervical cells and, if left untreated, may develop into cancer.
The NHS Cervical Cancer Screening Programme offers free screening to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. It is one of the best ways to protect against cervical cancer.
Important: If you notice symptoms of cervical cancer such as bleeding between periods, after sex, or after the menopause, or any unusual vaginal discharge or pain, see your GP straight away — even if you have recently had a cervical screening test.
About the cervical cancer screening programme
Screening can prevent cancer by detecting high-risk HPV early. It can identify abnormal cell changes before they have a chance to develop into cancer.
- Make sure you are registered with a GP (anyone in England can register for free).
- Check your GP has your current address, so your invitation goes to the right place.
- Women and anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should be invited for cervical screening at their GP surgery
- Trans men and non-binary people may not be automatically called for screening if they are not registered as female with their GP. Please check with your GP
- Screening is offered every five years. This is because the screening test has changed to HPV primary testing. If no high-risk HPV is detected, the risk of developing cervical cancer over the next 10 years is very low. If high-risk HPV is detected, patients will be followed up more closely.
- A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and tested for high-risk HPV.
- The test is quick and should only take a few minutes.