Cervical Screening This factsheet is for women who would like information about having a cervical smear test for screening. This means having the test when you don't have any symptoms. A cervical smear is a test to check the health of the cervix (the neck of the womb). The test checks for changes in the cells of the cervix that may, if untreated, develop into cervical cancer. Catching the changes early means that cervical cancer can be prevented. What is a cervical smear test?
The National Health Service (NHS) runs a cervical screening programme in the UK. The NHS cervical screening programme aims to screen all women aged between 25 and 49 every three years, and women aged 50 to 64 every five years. Cervical cancer is very rare in women under 25 and unlikely to develop in women over 64. Cervical screening is carried out in a GP surgery by a GP or practice nurse or at a community clinic, such as a family planning or well-woman clinic. You will need to be registered with a GP to receive an invitation to screening. Cervical smear testing is also available at independent facilities, including Bupa Wellness centres Deciding on cervical screening Benefits In 2005, around 2,800 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK. Many of the women who develop cervical cancer have never been screened or haven't been screened regularly. If you don't go for regular screening tests, early warning signs of cervical cancer could be missed. Risks Sometimes, screening can show possible signs of cervical cancer when in fact there is no problem. If this happens, you will be asked to have further tests, which can cause unnecessary worry. There is a small chance that you could be wrongly diagnosed with cervical cancer or treated for cervical cancer that would never have caused you any problems. If this happens, you may have unnecessary cancer treatment. Up to one in 10 cervical smear tests have to be re-taken because of a problem with the test, meaning that the cells can't be seen properly. This can happen if you have an infection, if not enough cells were collected during the smear test or if the cells were hidden by blood or mucus. Therefore, it's important to try not to worry if you're called back for a repeat test. About the procedure The best time to be screened is usually 14 days after your last period. You can't be screened during your period. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on your back on a couch, with your legs drawn up and knees apart. Try to relax and breathe slowly and deeply. An instrument called a speculum will be used to gently open your vagina so your GP or nurse can see your cervix. A sample of cells is taken from the transformation zone. This is where the lining of the inner surface of your cervix meets the lining of the outer part of your cervix. The cell sample will usually be taken using a small brush which is then placed in liquid. This procedure is called liquid-based cytology (LBC). The sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing. You won't usually need to have a cervical screening test if you're pregnant - it's usual to wait until three months after you have had your baby. However, this may depend on your screening history. Ask your GP for more advice. Getting your results The medical term used to describe the abnormal appearance of cervical cells on the sample is dyskaryosis. A 'borderline' or 'mild' dyskaryosis result means that very minor cell changes were found. These cells will probably go back to normal on their own and you won't need any immediate treatment. You will need to have a repeat screening test - usually in six months. If the repeat test is normal, you will be asked to have one more test in six to 12 months' time, and if this is normal you will return to routine testing. If the repeat test still shows borderline changes, you may be asked to have a colposcopy. A colposcopy is a close examination of your cervix, usually by a gynaecologist (a doctor who specialises in women's reproductive health), using a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope. If your initial screening result shows 'moderate' or 'severe' dyskaryosis, this usually means that small changes have been found. A colposcopy is usually the next step. Sometimes the result may be 'inadequate' or 'unsatisfactory' because the sample taken didn't have enough cells or you have a slight infection. If this happens, you will need to have another screening test. If you have an infection, you may need to get it treated first. If you have any queries about cervical screening, ask your GP. Cervical screening Q&As
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