If you’re coming up for 25 - or even if you’re over that age - you need to start taking care of yourself inside and out. That’s why all women in England aged 25 and over are invited for regular cervical screening tests (also known as smears).
Why do I need it?
Nearly three women die of cervical cancer in England every day. It is the second most common cancer to affect women under the age of 35 years. The good news is that cervical cancer can often be prevented.
The signs that it may develop can be spotted early on so that it can be stopped before it even gets started. Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Almost all cases are caused by a common virus, called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
You can catch the virus as soon as you become sexually active and even if you have only had one partner. The virus usually clears up naturally, but sometimes it hangs around and this could lead to cervical cancer.
What happens at the clinic?
The test is simple and free. It’s done in private at your doctor’s surgery or sexual health clinic and only takes about five minutes. You will be asked to undress from the waist down behind a screen.
You will lie down on a special couch with a paper sheet to cover you. The nurse or doctor will then insert a gadget called a speculum into your vagina.
It doesn’t usually hurt but this part can feel a bit uncomfortable. The nurse will then gently take a sample of cells from your cervix with a small brush, before taking out the speculum. That’s it! You can get dressed again.
For more information or if you have any concerns about cervical screening, talk it over with your GP or practice nurse.
