Cervical Screening Awareness Week Monday 17th – Saturday 23rd June 2025

1 in 3 don't attend their cervical screening test!!!

Frequently Asked Questions about cervical screening

A cervical smear test should not hurt, but sometimes it can feel uncomfortable. If you're worried about the test causing you pain, your GP or practice nurse can explain ways they can make the test easier for you.

A cervical smear test checks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Cervical cell changes are common, and often improve naturally. But sometimes these changes need treatment because there is a risk they may develop into cancer.
How your cervical smear sample is tested depends on where you are in the UK.
In England, Scotland and Wales, the sample is tested for a virus called HPV first. Samples that show high-risk HPV are then checked under a microscope for abnormal cells. In Northern Ireland, the sample is checked for abnormal cells first.
Wherever you have your smear test, the aim is to find the small number of people who need treatment to prevent cancer.

Abnormal cell changes in the cervix cause no symptoms. You will not know if you have them unless you have cervical screening. Screening finds abnormal cell changes, including the ones that are most likely to become cancer. These cells can then be treated. This is an effective way of preventing cervical cancer. Cervical screening is important to have, even if you have had the HPV vaccination. The vaccination protects against the most common types of high-risk HPV that cause cervical cancers. But it does not protect against all types.

How often is cervical screening?

If you have a cervix and you’re between the ages of 25 and 64, you should be offered a regular cervical smear test. If you are registered as female with a GP the NHS will contact you when it is time for your test. If you are registered as male and have a cervix, you may not be sent an invitation. Tell your GP if you want to have cervical screening, so they can arrange regular tests for you. At the moment, how often you are invited for a smear test depends on where you live in the UK. It is always best to check for the most up to date information in your area. You can find out more from: Cervical screening in England (NHS.UK) If you have any questions about your cervical screening invites, you could also talk to your GP, practice nurse or local sexual health service.

What is the difference between a smear test and cervical screening?

A smear test is the test to collect a sample of cells from the cervix. It is also often called a cervical screening test.
Cervical screening means using the smear test, and if needed another test called a colposcopy, to find the cervical cell changes that are most likely to become cancer. These cells can then be treated to prevent cervical cancer developing.

What is a colonoscopy? - YouTube

How do you prepare for a smear test?

You do not need to prepare in any way for a smear test. You may find it helpful to wear loose and comfortable clothing that you can remove easily. You will usually be given information before your test about preparing for a smear test. This may include Planning your appointment for a day you do not have a period. Avoiding vaginal medications, lubricants and creams for 2 days before the test. If you are worried about an upcoming cervical screening test, it may help to talk to someone about your concerns. This could be a friend or relative, or healthcare professional. Your GP or practice nurse can answer any questions you have.

Cervical screening is for anyone who has a cervix, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The main risk factor for cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV can affect all sexual orientations and anyone who has ever been sexually active. If you are lesbian or bisexual you are still at risk and should have screening.
If you are a trans man or non-binary person and have a cervix, you should have screening too. But, you may not be sent an invitation if you are registered as male with your GP. Tell your GP if you want to have cervical screening, so they can arrange regular tests for you.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (Jo's Trust) has detailed information about cervical screening for trans and non-binary people . This includes information about having a smear test, trans-specific clinics and further support.

You do not need cervical screening if you are a trans woman or were assigned male at birth. What you can do if you are worried about cervical screening.

Share your feelings!

It can be helpful to share any worries you have with people you know. You could talk to a friend or family member you trust. Chances are, they have experienced similar feelings. Ask your GP or practice nurse any questions you have,and let them know if you have any concerns about the appointment. They will be able to reassure you. Sometimes, it can help to talk to someone you don’t know. Our Online Community is a space where you can share your experiences, ask questions, or vent your emotions.

Read some tips!

This blog post on our Online Community has tips for anyone nervous about their cervical screening test appointment. Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust have cervical screening tips on their website. There are tips about what can try to make the test easier on the NHS website.

Get support from Macmillan!

If you are worried about cervical screening or your screening results, Macmillan are here for you.

• You can call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 800 00 00.
• You can also email the Macmillan Support Line.

Resources

Cervical screening invitations

This invitation is for all women and people with a cervix who are eligible for NHS cervical screening.

Cervical screening information

This information is available in a variety of languages for all women and people with a cervix to help decide about NHS cervical screening.

Lifetime screening animations on Vimeo

These various animations show screening tests offered to men & women throughout their lives.

https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/womens-health/cervical-screening/

Messages

• #CervicalScreeningAwarenessWeek
• Cervical screening aims to identify whether you are at higher risk of developing cervical cell changes or cervical cancer. This means you can get any care or treatment you need early.
• 1 in 3 don't attend their cervical screening test!!! Are you 1 out of the 3 not attending your cervical screening test? If you are worried or concerned about cervical screening also known as a ‘smear test’ visit Cervical Screening Awareness Week (macmillan.org.uk) to see the frequently asked questions about cervical screening

How often will I be invited for cervical screening?

Your cervical screening result will help decide when you are next invited for cervical screening.

You may be invited:

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

https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resources/campaigns/85-cervical-screening-campaign/resources