What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening is a way of preventing cancer. It tests for a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). High risk HPV can cause cervical cells to become abnormal. Virtually all cases of cervical cancer are linked to high risk HPV.
The cervix is part of the female reproductive system. It is the lowest part of the womb and is at the top of the vagina. A nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix using a small soft brush (smear test) and sends the sample to the laboratory (Cancer Research UK, 2024)
Find out more about cervical screening on Cancer Research UK or the NHS Cervical Screening page.
It is important that any symptoms of irregular bleeding or bleeding after intercourse are investigated, please don’t wait until you are invited for your screen.
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