Cervical Cancer Awareness campaigns take place in January and June each year, and raise awareness about prevention and cervical screening. A smear test lasts 5 minutes, but 1 in 3 people don’t attend their cervical screening test.
Why have cervical screening?
Abnormal cell changes in the cervix are common, and often improve naturally, but sometimes these changes need treatment because there is a risk they may develop into cancer. Abnormal changes 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.
Who can have cervical screening?
The NHS will contact you when it is time for your cervical screening if you are:
- 25 – 64 years old
- Registered as female with a GP
You do not need screening if you have had surgery to remove your cervix.
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. You do not need cervical screening if you are a trans woman or were assigned male at birth. The NHS has more information about other types of screening for trans women.
During a cervical screening, how is the swab taken?
The video in the below link by the NHS explains how the cervical screening process is done.
What happens at your cervical screening appointment – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
There are some recognised symptoms associated with cervical cancer that you should be aware of, these include:
- Abnormal bleeding: during or after sexual intercourse, or between periods
- Post menopausal bleeding: if you are not on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or have stopped it for six weeks or more
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
- Lower back pain
Further support
- NHS – Cervical screening
- Cervical screening – Further information on cervical screening
Ref: WPW0169 this information was updated September 2024.
