Cervical Screening

What is a cervical smear?

A cervical smear is a sample of cells taken from the cervix (the neck of the womb) which can be prepared and viewed under a microscope. The purpose of taking this sample of cells is to look for pre-cancerous cell changes. Having regular cervical smears increases the chances of detecting cell changes at an early stage, when treatment can be less invasive and cervical cancer is preventable.

Who should have a cervical smear?

All women who have ever been sexually active should have a smear test because there is an associated risk of developing cervical cancer. This risk is increased with early age of first intercourse and several different sexual partners. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a virus that has been detected in over 90% of smears with pre-cancerous cell changes.

Under the present UK Department of Health guidelines:

• Women are advised to have their first routine cervical screening at the age of 25
• They should then have screening every three years until the age of 49
• From the age of 50 to 64, screening every five years is suggested
• At the age of 65, women no longer require cervical screening unless they have had recent cervical changes.
• Women aged 65 and over, who have never had a screening should have at least one screening test
• Women who have had treatment for abnormal cells on the cervix will need to have a screening test more often

At SMS we offer smears from the age of 20 and on an annual basis if requested.