The NHS is urging people to come forward for a potentially life-saving test. Health officials issued the appeal on Wednesday morning, January 21, noting that a « normal » result means people won’t require retesting for five years.
A post on X, formerly Twitter, from the official NHS account reads: « If you have received your cervical screening invitation, or missed your last one, book an appointment through your GP practice or local sexual health clinic now. It could save your life. »
The message continues by highlighting that cervical screening « saves around 5000 lives in the UK every year » and declares: « Let’s stop cervical cancer together ».
Cervical screening, previously known as a smear test, is a procedure to assess the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer.
All women aged 25 to 64 receive invitations for cervical screening every five years, with everyone possessing a cervix eligible for screening. Trans men or non-binary individuals with a cervix can discuss receiving routine invitations with their GP, sexual health clinic or transgender health clinic.
The cervix is the opening to the womb from the vagina. Importantly, this is not a cancer test, but rather a preventative measure.
During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells is collected from the cervix. The sample is examined for specific strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause alterations to the cells of your cervix.
These are referred to as high-risk types of HPV. If these types of HPV are not detected, no further tests are required.
If these types of HPV are identified, the sample is then scrutinised for any changes in the cells of your cervix. Such changes can be treated to help prevent cervical cancer.
The nurse or doctor will inform you when you can anticipate receiving your results.
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