Cervical screening is a free health test that helps prevent cervical cancer. Some people refer to it as a smear test, it is exactly the same thing.  It checks for a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and, if you have HPV, cervical cell changes (abnormal cells).
It is your choice whether to go for cervical screening. We hope this information helps you make the best decision for you and your health. If you have symptoms, contact your GP surgery about having an examination. Cervical screening is not for people who have symptoms. Click here to watch a short film about cervical screening also known as a smear test, this helps you to understand why you are invited and what happens during the test and your results.

Who is invited for cervical screening?

You should be invited for cervical screening if you have a cervix. Women are usually born with a cervix. Trans men, non-binary and intersex people may also have one.

In the UK, you are automatically invited for cervical screening if you are:

  • between the ages of 25 to 64
  • registered as female with a GP surgery.

You may get your first invite up to 6 months before you turn 25. You can book an appointment as soon as you get the invite.
 

How often will I be invited for cervical screening?

You may be invited:

  • every year
  • every 3 years
  • every 5 years
  • straight to colposcopy for more tests.

All women and people with a cervix between age 25 and 64 can go for regular cervical screening, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Most cervical cell changes and cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with HPV. As HPV can be passed on through any skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, anyone having any kind of sex is at risk of getting it. 

Do I need cervical screening after hysterectomy or having other treatment?

If you have previously had treatment that affected your cervix for any reason, you may no longer be invited for cervical screening. These treatments include:

  • A total hysterectomy. This is an operation that removes the womb and cervix. If you have had a total hysterectomy, you will not be invited for cervical screening as there is no cervix to take a sample of cells from. 
  • Pelvic radiotherapy. This is a treatment that directs radiation at the part of the body between the hipbones (pelvis). It can damage the cells of the cervix and make it harder to tell if there are any changes, so you may not be automatically invited for cervical screening. Your doctor may do a separate follow up appointment with you.

After these treatments, your healthcare team may want you to have a different test called a vault smear. This takes a sample of cells from your vagina and tests them to check that they are healthy. Whether you are offered vault smears and how long you are offered them for depends on your individual situation. 
 

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