What is Cervical Screening?

Cervical screening is a simple health check that helps to prevent cervical cancer. It is also known as a smear test. It checks the health of your cervix by looking for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that can cause changes to cervical cells.

If HPV is found, your sample is checked for any abnormal cell changes. This means the cells can be monitored or treated before they become cancer.

Who is Cervical Screening for?

Cervical Screening is for people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64. 

You will get an invite when it is time for your screening. It is important to attend your screening appointments, even if:
-    You have had the HPV vaccine.
-    You are not sexually active.
-    You have only had one sexual partner. 

Where can I have my Cervical Screening appointment?

You can book your appointment at one of our clinics. Ring us to book an appointment at Blyth or North Tyneside. If you prefer, you can book your screening with your GP.

Where to find us :: Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

What will happen at my appointment?

Your appointment normally takes around 10 minutes. You will see a trained nurse or doctor for this appointment. If you would like, you can have someone else in the room with you.  

• The nurse or doctor will explain how the test will work. They will answer any questions you may have.
• When you are ready, they will ask you to undress from the waist down.
• You will be able to do this privately behind a curtain.
• When you are ready, you need to lie down on the bed.
• A small tool (speculum) is gently put inside the vagina so the cervix can be seen. 
• The nurse or doctor uses a soft brush to collect a small sample of cells from your cervix. 
• We send the sample to a lab for testing. 
• The test is normally quick for most people. It should not be painful, but some people may find it a bit uncomfortable. 

What do my results mean?

Most people will have a normal result. This means the sample showed no high-risk HPV. 

If the sample is positive for high-risk HPV, the lab will check for cell changes.
-    If there are no cell changes, you will get another screening invite for 1 years' time. This is sooner than usual screening, which is every 3 years. 
-    If there are cell changes, you will need a further appointment. This appointment is for a Colposcopy. 

An HPV positive result does not mean you have cervical cancer. It just means you need more checks to help keep your cervix healthy. 

FAQs about Cervical Screening