Cervical Screening

Why the NHS offers cervical screening.

We offer cervical screening to check the health of your cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. We look for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). This is because it can cause abnormal changes that may lead to cervical cancer.

Finding and treating any changes early can prevent most cases of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer mostly affects women and people who have a cervix under the age of 45, but abnormal changes can happen at any age.

Cervical screening saves thousands of lives each year in the UK.

Regular cervical screening is important. You’re still at risk of cervical cancer even if you:

  • have had the HPV vaccine
  • have only had 1 sexual partner
  • haven’t had penetrative sex
  • have had the same partner, or have not had sex, for a long time
  • are a lesbian or bisexual
  • are a trans man or a non-binary person with a cervix
  • have had a subtotal (partial) hysterectomy that did not remove your cervix

If you’ve had a total hysterectomy, you do not have a womb or cervix. This means you do not need cervical screening.

For more information, read 'Your Guide to NHS Cervical Screening' here Your guide to NHS cervical screening - GOV.UK

To view this information in another language visit Alternative Formats - Your guide to NHS cervical screening - GOV.UK

Who will be invited for cervical screening.

NHS England routinely invite women aged 25 to 64 every 5 years. Most cervical cancers develop between these ages.

Your GP surgery gives us your contact information. Please make sure they have the correct details, including your:

  • name
  • date of birth
  • address
  • mobile number
  • email address

Your invitation will give you information about booking cervical screening. You can book as soon as you’re invited.

Trans men and non-binary people with a cervix are also eligible for cervical screening. How you’re invited will depend on how your gender is recorded in your GP patient record:

  • If you’re listed as female, you’ll receive invitations automatically.
  • If not, you can “opt in” to receive routine invitations. You can do this by contacting a cervical screening provider, such as your GP, a sexual health clinic or a transgender health clinic.

If you’re unsure, contact your GP. Find more information on screening for transgender and non-binary people..

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Often there are no symptoms. However, see your GP if you notice:

  • Bleeding after sex
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Bleeding after the menopause
  • Heavy discharge
  • Pain during sex

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and can be largely prevented by:

  • The HPV vaccine which is offered to girls aged between 12-13 and can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by 70%
  • Having regular smear tests

Cervical screening: support for people who feel anxious about attending

This information is for women and people with a cervix who find it difficult to attend cervical screening.

You may feel understandably anxious or worried about attending, this could be for many reasons and may include:

  • a mental health condition
  • previous cervical screening experience(s)
  • previous traumatic experience(s)
  • sexual and/or domestic violence
  • dysphoria

This information talks about what support is available if you are worried, feel anxious or think it may be painful when attending your cervical screening. You can use this information to help decide whether to attend and to find support to make it easier for you if you would like it.

For more detailed information visit Cervical screening: support for people who feel anxious about attending - GOV.UK

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Cervical Screening For People With a Learning Disability

Smear tests are happening and you may get a letter inviting you to go. We know you may find smear tests confusing or worrying, but you are not alone if you feel this way. You may want a friend, carer, or learning disability nurse to read it with you. 

For a guide to what happens at your smear test, please click here.

Why younger women don't have screening 

 

Cervical cancer is very rare in women younger than 25. But changes in the cells of the cervix are quite common in this age group. These changes often return to normal and are less likely to develop into cancer. So screening them leads to unnecessary treatment and worry.

Researchers have worked out that screening younger women leads to more harms than benefits.

The following websites can provide you with further information about why Cervical Screening is so important.

NHS Cervical Screening

Cancer Research UK

Specialist clinics for cervical screening

 

There are specialist clinics available for people who may feel uncomfortable going for cervical screening. 

CliniQ are a holistic sexual health and well being service for all trans people, partners and friends. They are a trans-led team, who offer a safe, confidential space for those who may not feel comfortable accessing mainstream services. They provide a cervical screening service. 

My Body Back Project is a specialist service that run clinics where women who have experienced sexual assault are able to access cervical screening. All the female staff are trained to work with women who have experienced sexual violence.

Go to CliniQ website

Go to My Body Back Project website

Page last reviewed: 02 July 2025
Page created: 21 July 2021