What are cervical screenings for?
The most common misunderstanding about cervical screenings is that cervical screenings test for cancer, but in actual fact they test for early changes in the cells in the cervix that could possible lead to cancer (but don't always).
Screenings do not test for sexually transmitted infections.
Why are they important?
All women who have ever had sex could be at risk of getting cervical cancer.
The early stages of cervical cancer have no symptoms, and smear tests are the only way to detect changes.
Since the NHS cervical screening programme was introduced in the 80s the number of people being diagnosed with cervical cancer has more than halved.
It is the absolute best way to prevent cervical cancer, and many who die from cervical cancer are those who have not had a smear test or attended their invitations. Jade Goody worked so hard to promote the importance of cervical screenings at the end of her life for that very reason - she did not go to hers and as a result she lost her life.
What happens?
Cells are collected from the cervix using a small brush-like object called a speculum which is gently brushed along the inside of your cervix. That is then sent to a laboratory where they are tested for anything unusual.
It only takes a few minutes and no drugs are used, and they are usually done by a health worker, nurse or GP. You won't have to undress completely, only from the bottom down, and if you're wearing a loose skirt you can just pull that up.
The nurse will make sure you are comfortable and okay the whole time, and although some people are nervous or embarrassed about the procedure, the benefits really outweigh any of that.
Then what?
If anything unusual is found further tests will be done to see if treatment is needed.
Treatment is not always needed though, and one option could be to come back for another smear in a few months time to check progress - sometimes the changes just sort themselves out.
Sometimes the samples are difficult to interpret, for example if there is too much mucus, in which case the GP will ask you to have another smear test.
How often should I be tested?
From age 25 to 49 you will receive an invitation for a screening every 3 years.
From age 50 to 64 you will be invited every 5 years.
If one of your tests is returned with abnormal results you may be tested more frequently to keep an eye on things.
The most common misunderstanding about cervical screenings is that cervical screenings test for cancer, but in actual fact they test for early changes in the cells in the cervix that could possible lead to cancer (but don't always).
Screenings do not test for sexually transmitted infections.
Why are they important?
All women who have ever had sex could be at risk of getting cervical cancer.
The early stages of cervical cancer have no symptoms, and smear tests are the only way to detect changes.
Since the NHS cervical screening programme was introduced in the 80s the number of people being diagnosed with cervical cancer has more than halved.
It is the absolute best way to prevent cervical cancer, and many who die from cervical cancer are those who have not had a smear test or attended their invitations. Jade Goody worked so hard to promote the importance of cervical screenings at the end of her life for that very reason - she did not go to hers and as a result she lost her life.
What happens?
Cells are collected from the cervix using a small brush-like object called a speculum which is gently brushed along the inside of your cervix. That is then sent to a laboratory where they are tested for anything unusual.
It only takes a few minutes and no drugs are used, and they are usually done by a health worker, nurse or GP. You won't have to undress completely, only from the bottom down, and if you're wearing a loose skirt you can just pull that up.
The nurse will make sure you are comfortable and okay the whole time, and although some people are nervous or embarrassed about the procedure, the benefits really outweigh any of that.
Then what?
If anything unusual is found further tests will be done to see if treatment is needed.
Treatment is not always needed though, and one option could be to come back for another smear in a few months time to check progress - sometimes the changes just sort themselves out.
Sometimes the samples are difficult to interpret, for example if there is too much mucus, in which case the GP will ask you to have another smear test.
How often should I be tested?
From age 25 to 49 you will receive an invitation for a screening every 3 years.
From age 50 to 64 you will be invited every 5 years.
If one of your tests is returned with abnormal results you may be tested more frequently to keep an eye on things.
This information is only very basic so please read this NHS Guide on Cervical Screening Facts for all your questions answered in a really straightforward and helpful way.
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