This resource will provide guidance around cervical cancer and the screening for this whilst also busting some myths around the smear test.
Cervical cancer is when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow in an uncontrolled way and eventually form a tumour. The screening for cervical cancer is completed through the smear test, women aged 25-64 are eligible for this screening. You get an invite every 3 or 5 years depending on where you live and your age.
Why its important to attend your smear test:
Cervical screening via the smear test is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer as it checks the health of cells in the cervix for anything abnormal before it develops into cancer. The NHS screening test checks a sample of cells from your cervix for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).This test helps prevent cervical cancer by using a highly effective test to check for high-risk HPV, which causes 99% of cervical cancers. This virus can cause abnormal cells which over time can become cancerous.
Cervical screening appointment:
A female nurse will normally complete this procedure; you can check or request this before your appointment if it is important to you. You can have a chaperone in the appointment with you which is normally another staff member from the clinic. If you’d prefer to take a friend or relative in this is also an option. Let the nurse know if you are feeling nervous as they will be able to help reassure you. The test will take about 5 minutes.
The procedure:
- You’ll need to undress, behind a screen, from the waist down. You’ll be given a sheet to put over you.
- The nurse will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart. Sometimes you may need to change position during the test.
- They’ll gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina. A small amount of lubricant may be used.
- The nurse will open the speculum so they can see your cervix.
- Using a soft brush, they’ll take a small sample of cells from your cervix.
- The nurse will close and remove the speculum and leave you to get dressed.
You may have some spotting or light bleeding after your cervical screening test. This is very common and should go away after a few hours but contact your GP surgery if you have any concerns.
Here are some more tips that might make the test easier and more comfortable:
- Wear something you can leave on during the test, like a skirt or long jumper
- Bring someone with you for support
- Try breathing exercises to help you relax – ask the nurse about these
- Ask the nurse to use a smaller speculum
- Ask the nurse about lying in a different position – such as on your side with your knees pulled up to your chest
- Bring something to listen to or read during the test
Explanation of results:
Your test results will probably look like the following, your nurse will let you know when to expect the results which will be sent by letter.
No HPV found- No high-risk HPV found, you will be invited back for another routine screening in 3-5 years.
HPV found with no cell changes- This means you have high risk HPV, but you do not have changes to your cervical cells. You will be invited back for another screening in about a years time to check whether the HPV is present.
HPV found with cell changes– This means you have high risk HPV and cervical cell changes. You will be invited to have a further test which is called a colposcopy. You can find out more information about this here- https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/colposcopy/
Myths around the smear test:
- Cervical screening is painful- these procedures should not be. Trying to relax your pelvis and feeling more comfortable can help with this.
- Cervical screening is only for people who have had sex- Essentially yes (however women can still attend their tests when invited for a health check-up).
- Abnormal cells mean you have cervical cancer- Abnormal cells are not necessarily cancerous but need to be kept an eye on. Treatment early on can help cure cervical cancer so screening is important.
- I’ve had normal smears for all of my smears so far, so I won’t have cancer now. The process of cancer formation takes years and if you have new sexual partners there is the potential for new strains of HPV to become inoculated.
Further Resources:
There are further resources linked below that include information around the cervical screening procedure as well as more information around cervical cancer.
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cervical-cancer
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/why-its-important
https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/06/nhs-urges-more-women-to-take-up-cervical-screening-invitations
