Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix from the ages of 25 to 64. Cervical screening is a free health test that is designed to detect abnormal cells in the cervix that could develop into cancer, if left untreated. Some people refer to it as a smear test, it is exactly the same thing.  It checks for a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and, if you have HPV, cervical cell changes (abnormal cells).

You’ll be sent an invitation through the NHS App, by text or by letter when it’s time to book your cervical screening appointment.

Your invitation will tell you where you can go for cervical screening and how to book.

Most cervical screening is done in a GP surgery by a female nurse or doctor.

You can usually call your GP surgery to book an appointment with them. You might be able to book the appointment online.