Cervical Screening – What You Need to Know

Cervical screening (also called a smear test) helps stop cervical cancer. It saves over 4,000 lives every year in the UK.

But many people don’t go. Some say it’s because of:

• Feeling embarrassed

• Feeling uncomfortable

• Thinking they don’t need it if they’re not sexually active

This blog will explain what the test is, why it matters, and how to make it easier for you.

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix (the opening to the womb from your vagina). It helps find early signs of problems before they turn into cancer.

It's not a test for cancer – it's to help stop cancer before it starts.

The test looks for a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). Some types of HPV can cause changes to your cervix. If these changes are found early, they can be treated.

Who should go for screening?

Cervical screening is for:

• Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64

• If you’re a trans man or non-binary and have a cervix, you can ask your GP or clinic to make sure you get invited.

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You’ll get a letter when it’s time. Here’s how often you’re invited:

Age	How often?
25–49	Every 3 years
50–64	Every 5 years
65+	Only if needed

You can book as soon as you get a letter. If you missed your last check, you don’t need to wait – just make an appointment with your GP.

What happens during the test?

• A nurse or doctor takes a small sample of cells from your cervix.

• They use a soft brush and a tool called a speculum to gently open the vagina.

• The test takes about 5 minutes.

• You will get your results by letter. The nurse or doctor will tell you when to expect it.

Tips before your appointment

• Try to book your test when you're not on your period

• Avoid vaginal creams or medicines for 2 days before

• Wait if you're being treated for an infection or unusual discharge

What support can I ask for?

If you feel nervous, you can:

• Ask for the first appointment of the day to avoid long waiting

• Ask for a female nurse or doctor

• Bring a chaperone (someone to stay with you during the test)

  
  

Carron PA Support can come with you as a chaperone if you wish – just let them know in advance.

• Ask for a longer appointment if you need more time

• Ask for a chat-only appointment first to talk through it

• After menopause, ask for a vaginal cream to help make the test more comfortable

👉 Important: If you use British Sign Language (BSL), your GP needs to book an interpreter for you. Please remind them when you make the appointment.

Making the test more comfortable

During the appointment, you can:

• Wear a skirt or long top – you only need to remove your underwear

• Lie in a position that feels best for you – like on your side

• Ask for a smaller speculum

• Use a hand signal or agreed sign if you want the test to stop at any time

Always speak up if something feels painful or wrong.

Let cervical screening work for you.

You have the right to feel safe and respected.

You can ask for adjustments.

You can ask questions.

Your health matters.