Cervical Screening Awareness Week

Cervical screening (which used to be called a smear test) is a free health test on the NHS to help prevent cervical cancer.

It checks for a virus called high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV). If high-risk HPV is present, then the sample will be checked for cervical cell changes. These changes can then be monitored or treated to prevent cervical cancer from developing. It is not a test to diagnose cervical cancer. Cervical screening is estimated to save around 5000 lives a year in the UK.

an illustration of what cervical screening procedures look like, you can see a speculum inside someone opening up the vagina and a small brush inserted which brushes cells from the cervix

During cervical screening, a healthcare professional will collect a sample of cells from the cervix. They will insert a lubricated speculum into the vagina. This will open up the vaginal walls. They then take a sample of cells by sweeping the cervix with a soft plastic brush. The sample will be sent off to a laboratory for testing.

We know that cervical screening isn’t always easy, so we have some tips to help you feel more comfortable in your appointment, these include:

Ask for a call or appointment to talk through the test. You can ask for a call or appointment before your test. You can see the equipment and ask questions to help prepare for your screening.
Ask to book a double appointment. Having more time before and after your screening can help you take in information. It will also give you time to process what happens. If you would find this helpful, ask your GP surgery for a double appointment. They may ask why you need a double appointment. You do not have to tell them anything you don’t want to.
Ask for a healthcare of a particular gender. You may feel more comfortable with a female or male healthcare doing your screening. If there is a healthcare you trust, you can ask if they are able to do it.
Ask to take someone you trust with you. You can ask if someone can come with you for support. It could be a friend, family member, partner or someone else. They can be in the waiting room or examination room with you. They may also be able to speak on your behalf about any worries. If this isn’t possible, you can ask if a member of staff can support you. They are called a chaperone.
Ask for a smaller or larger speculum. Speculums come in different sizes. If you find the standard size too uncomfortable, you can ask for another size.

Put the speculum in yourself. You may feel more relaxed and comfortable putting the speculum into your vagina yourself. If you have a partner with you, you may prefer if they do it.

Lie in a different position. Lying on your back may feel uncomfortable for lots of reasons. You can ask to lie on your left-hand side with your knees bent. This is called the left-lateral position.