Cervical screening (smear test)

The NHS offers a free Smear (or Cervical Screening) Test for all women and people with a cervix. Those aged 25 to 49 are invited every 3 years and every 5 years from age 50 to 64. It is a test to check the health of the cervix, and helps find any abnormal changes before they can turn into cancer. It is not a test for cancer.

Smear tests are a quick and simple way for women with no symptoms to prevent cancer.

The test takes five minutes and should not be painful. It’s free and confidential and will put your mind at rest so you can get on with your life.

So, if you get a letter or are invited by your GP practice asking you to book your test, do it straight away. You can have the test during anytime of your cycle, as long as you are not bleeding.

If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter to book an appointment. Tell those you love to do the same – sister, best mate, daughter or partner.

For more information visit the NHS web pages or Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust