Cervical screening (smear test)
Cervical screening (also known as a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina.
It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
Who the screening is for
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should get a letter to invite them for a smear.
If you've not been invited and think you’re eligible, please contact the surgery.
How often you need a screening
How often you need screening depends on how old you are.
If you’re:
- under 25, you’ll be invited up to 6 months before you turn 25
- 25 to 49, you’ll be invited every 3 years
- 50 to 64, you’ll be invited every 5 years
- 65 or older, you’ll only be invited if 1 of your last 3 tests was abnormal.
Getting an appointment
You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.
The letter will tell you where you can go and how to request an appointment.
If you have not received a screening letter
You can also request an appointment at the surgery if you have not received an invite by letter, or if you lost the letter.
Follow-up appointments
Further information on what happens during a follow-up appointment can be found below.
- Tests and next steps (NHS.UK)
- Information if you have a learning disability:
Follow up appointments