In the UK, any woman between the ages of 25-64 will be invited to attend a free NHS cervical screening test (also known as the “smear test”), which is undertaken to identify abnormal cells within the cervix.
While the procedure itself is fast and simple, the details surrounding cervical screenings are not always clear, with many women unsure of what the procedure entails and why it is so important.
London Women’s Centre, a leading private gynaecologist in London, outlines four key points that every woman should know about cervical screenings.
1. Cervical Screenings are a quick, pain-free procedure
A cervical screening is a quick, straightforward procedure used to detect any abnormal cells in the cervix. Patients simply book an appointment with their GP and attend on the date and time provided. Once at the clinic, the procedure itself should only last around 5-10 minutes.
The cervical screening involves placing a speculum inside the vagina, then removing a tiny sample of cells from the cervix using a small brush. While the test may feel slightly uncomfortable, it should not be painful. Nurses and doctors carrying out the test are trained to make the procedure feel as comfortable as it can be for patients.
2. Cervical screenings can save lives
Around 2,600 UK women are diagnosed with cervical cancer per year, of which, 83% of cases could be prevented if all eligible patients attended their regular cervical screening. As such, informing women about the importance of undergoing the screening when they are advised to is essential in helping to save lives.
Women aged 25-49 should attend once every three years, and women aged 50-64 once every five years. As cervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women under the age of 35, we urge people to take up their invitation to attend.
3. There is no reason to be embarrassed
A recent survey carried out by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust found that almost one-third of women surveyed said they are too embarrassed to attend their regular cervical screening test. Various reasons were cited for embarrassment, including concerns about body shape and the appearance of the vagina.
With five million UK women being invited to attend a free screening each year, only one in four people take up the opportunity. This is unfortunate since there is absolutely no reason to be embarrassed. Healthcare professionals carry out the tests regularly and have seen all manner of body types before.
4. An abnormal result does not mean cancer
Most people who have a cervical screening will receive a normal result back, but around 1 in 20 come back abnormal. The presence of abnormal cells does not mean you have or will develop cervical cancer – instead, it means that there are cell changes in the cervix that need to be investigated and monitored.
In the majority of cases, the changes go away on their own; however, some require treatment to remove the abnormal cells as, if left untreated, they could develop into cancer in the future.
Cervical screenings are, therefore, a preventative test, rather than a diagnostic one. It helps identify potentially harmful cells before they have a chance to turn cancerous, ensuring patients can receive the correct form of treatment as soon as possible.
