It's offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
All women aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to cervical screening to check the health of their cervix.
Everyone with a cervix should go for cervical screening.
The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina.
It's not a test for cancer, it's a test to help prevent cancer.
During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix.
The sample is checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. These are called "high risk" types of HPV.
If these types of HPV are not found, you do not need any further tests.
If these types of HPV are found, the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
The nurse or doctor will tell you when you can expect your results letter.
You're still at risk of cervical cancer if:
- you've had the HPV vaccine – it does not protect you from all types of HPV, so you're still at risk of cervical cancer
- you've only had 1 sexual partner – you can get HPV the first time you're sexually active
- you've had the same partner, or not had sex, for a long time – you can have HPV for a long time without knowing it
- you're a lesbian or bisexual – you're at risk if you've had any sexual contact
- you're a trans man with a cervix
- you've had a partial hysterectomy that did not remove all of your cervix
Booking a cervical screening appointment
You'll be sent an invitation letter in the post when it's time to book your cervical screening appointment.
We have Cervical Screening appointments available in the following locations:
Blackpool, Lancaster, Burnley, Accrington, Skelmersdale, Preston
You can book you Cervical Screening HERE: Lilie Hub
More information can be found Cervical screening - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
