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Cervical Screening

Cervical screening, also known as a ‘smear test’ involves checking for unusual features like pre-cancerous cells. The cancer tends to affect the uterus (womb) neck.

This screening is not a test for cancer but helps to diagnose any changes in cells that may lead to the development of cancer of the cervix.

What is my cervix and where is it?

Your cervix is, in fact, the neck of your womb. That is, the entrance to the womb from the vaginal canal. It is the narrow canal which has great powers of expansion to allow a baby to pass through, during a vaginal birth.

What causes the abnormalities?

Cell abnormalities can be caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It is transmitted by sexual contact. Only a female who has never participated in sexual intercourse is unlikely to have had this virus, which is why screening is necessary for females who are or have been sexually active.

What does the screening involve?

Your practice nurse (from your doctor’s practice) will take a sample of cells from your uterus. She will do this by inserting a speculum (long, double spatula-like instrument) into your vagina and gently taking a scrape of your cervix’s wall. When withdrawn, the speculum will contain a sample of tissue cells that will be examined further by a laboratory.

No general or local anaesthetic is required. You may experience mild discomfort for the minute or so that it takes for the sample to be taken.

Who is the screening suitable for?

In England and Northern Ireland, females from:

• 25 to 49 years of age are invited to be screened every 3 years
• 50 to 64 years of age are invited to be screened every 5 years

Females aged 65 or over are invited to be screened only if they haven’t been screened since they were aged 50 years or have recently had abnormal screening results.

Females from 20 to 60 years of age are invited to be screened every 3 years in Scotland. While in Wales females aged 20 to 64 years of age are invited to be screened every 3 years.

How long does the screening take?

The whole procedure should take less than 5 minutes.

What will happen afterwards?

The cells are examined under the microscope by a laboratory to see if there are any abnormal cell changes. You will be informed by letter of the results. 

What can I expect from the screening?

You can expect to receive your results within 2 weeks of examination.  We will contact you by letter and include information and advice from your gynaecologist.