Smear Invitation
- Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix, which is the opening to your womb from your vagina.
- It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
- All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 will be invited by a letter when your next cervical screening appointment is due.
Book your Appointment
- Please do not arrange a cervical screen appointment until you have received your NHS invitational letter.
- To arrange a cervical screening appointment, please telephone the Practice.
Appointment Process
- Please bring your invitation letter with you to your appointment.
- During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix.
- The sample is tested for changes to the cells of your cervix.
- Finding abnormal changes early means they can be monitored or treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
Results Process
- Approximately 2 weeks after screening, you will receive your results.
- If your result is negative, you will receive an in-app message via the NHS App.
- If you don’t read this message within 72 hours (or do not use the NHS App), you will receive your results via a letter.
- Abnormal results will be sent via a letter containing further information.
Cervical screening saves 5000 lives a year. It is not a test for cervical cancer, it is a screening test to detect abnormalities in the cells of the cervix at an early stage.
When you receive an invitation to cervical screening from the Practice, please, don’t ignore it. It takes just a few minutes and could save your life.
- First time being screen, or nervous? tell the Nurse/Doctor, and try to relax and distract your mind
- Worried about discomfort? Ask the Nurse/Doctor to use a smaller speculum
- Feeling embarrassed? Wear a skirt to your appointment as you can keep this on during the procedure
- Don’t want to go alone? Take a friend with you, to keep you company in the Waiting Room, and be there for you after the screening
- Undergone FGM/cutting in the past? Tell the Nurse/Doctor
Download or view our Smear Test Guide
Important
Try not to put off cervical screening. It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.