Cervical screening in England: who is invited and what results mean

Cervical screening (once called a smear test) is a free check of the health of the cervix that helps prevent cancer. ONLYWAY NEWS explains who is invited, what happens at the appointment and what the results mean.

Who is invited for screening and how often?

All women aged 25 to 64 are invited for screening - and, more broadly, everyone with a cervix. The invitation comes every 5 years. Your first invitation arrives a few months before you turn 25. Invitations are sent through the NHS App, by text or by letter, and each one asks you to book an appointment.

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What happens after the age of 65?

After 65 you usually stop being invited. The exception is if a recent test was abnormal - then you will be invited again. If you have never been screened, or not since the age of 50, you can ask your GP for a test.

What happens at the appointment?

The test is usually done by a female nurse or doctor, who first explains the procedure and answers any questions. You undress from the waist down behind a screen and lie back on a bed. The nurse or doctor gently inserts an instrument called a speculum to see the cervix, then uses a soft brush to collect a sample of cells. The test itself takes less than 5 minutes, and the whole appointment takes about 10 minutes.

What is the sample tested for?

The sample is checked for human papillomavirus (HPV). Your results will show whether HPV was found. The possible outcomes are:

• HPV not found - your risk of cervical cancer is very low and your next invitation comes in 5 years;
• HPV found, no abnormal cell changes - you are invited again in 1 year; if HPV is still present after 2 years you are sent for a colposcopy;
• HPV found with abnormal cell changes - you are sent for a colposcopy, a closer look at the cervix done in hospital;
• unclear result - you are asked to repeat the test in 3 months, which does not mean something is wrong.

What is a colposcopy and should you worry?

A colposcopy is a more detailed look at the cervix, similar to screening itself but done in hospital. The NHS notes that cell changes will not get worse while you wait for the appointment. A positive HPV result does not mean a partner has been unfaithful: the virus can be present without recent sexual activity. So finding HPV is a reason to keep an eye on things, not a reason to panic.

When do the results arrive?

The nurse or doctor will tell you when to expect your results; they are usually sent through the NHS App or by letter. If you are waiting longer than expected, call your GP surgery. Every detail in this article comes from the official NHS pages.