22/09/2025
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. It is not a test to diagnose cervical cancer.
During cervical screening, a healthcare professional will collect a sample of cells from the cervix. They will insert a lubricated speculum into the va**na. This will open up the va**nal 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.
The sample will be tested for high-risk HPV. This is the common virus which causes nearly all cervical cancers. If high-risk HPV is found, the sample will be checked for any changes to the cells. These cells aren’t cancer. These changes could lead to cervical cancer in the future if they are not monitored or treated.
High-risk HPV is passed on through skin-to-skin sexual contact. 8 in 10 of us will come into contact with HPV during our lives. The immune system usually clears HPV within two years before it causes any problems. If HPV doesn’t clear, it can cause changes in the cervical cells and increase the risk of cancer.
If HPV doesn’t clear and it causes changes in the cervical cells, they will be graded. They will be graded into either cervical intraepithelial neoplasia low grade (called CIN1), medium grade (CIN2) or high grade (CIN3).
Cervical screening starts at the age of 25 in the UK. Anyone with a cervix is eligible. This can include cis women, trans men, non-binary, and intersex people.
In England, Scotland and Wales you will be invited every five years. In Northern Ireland, you will be invited every three years until the age of 50 (depending on where you live in the UK). Then the letters will be sent every five years until the age of 64. If you have high-risk HPV or any cervical cell changes, you will be checked more often.
You can find out more about cervical screening, including answers to your frequently asked questions on our website:
https://eveappeal.org.uk/information-and-advice/preventing-cancer/facts-and-tips-for-cervical-screening
You can also speak to our Ask Eve Nurses for free and confidential information and support by emailing nurse@eveappeal.org.uk or calling 0808 802 0019.
