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CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AWARENESS WEEK: ANSWERING KEY QUESTIONS

19 June 2025

This Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Week, we want to shine a light on the most common questions people have about cervical cancer, screening, and how to protect your health. Cervical cancer is highly preventable when caught early, and regular screening plays a pivotal role in this.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower part of the womb (uterus) that connects to the top of the vagina. It develops when abnormal cells in the cervix grow uncontrollably, often over many years. The most common form is squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the outer layer of the cervix. Other types include adenocarcinoma, which forms in the glandular cells inside the cervical canal, and rarer forms such as adenosquamous and clear cell carcinoma.

Cervical cancer can affect anyone with a cervix, including women, some trans men, and people assigned female at birth.

What is cervical screening and why is it important?

Cervical screening, commonly referred to as a smear test, is a routine test that helps prevent cervical cancer. It works by detecting abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which are often caused by high-risk types of HPV (human papillomavirus). These abnormal cells can develop into cancer if left untreated, but screening can find them early, when treatment is most effective.

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women under 35 in the UK. Tragically, two women lose their lives to it every day. Yet, it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Regular screening can prevent up to 75% of cases, but many people delay or skip their appointments. One in four eligible people do not attend when invited. Screening is still important even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, as the vaccine doesn’t protect against all cancer-causing HPV types.

How does cervical screening work?

If you are aged 25 to 64 and registered as female with a GP, you will be invited by letter to book a cervical screening test. You can book your appointment at your GP practice or a local sexual health clinic.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare, but a few tips may help you feel more comfortable.

  1. Wear loose clothing that is easy to remove from the waist down.
  2. Try to avoid booking during your period
  3. Do not use vaginal creams, lubricants, or medications for two days beforehand.
  4. If you are feeling nervous or unsure, speak to your GP, nurse, or someone you trust.

At the appointment:

  1. You will undress from the waist down and lie on an examination couch.
  2. A nurse or doctor will gently insert a speculum into your vagina to view the cervix.
  3. A small, soft brush is used to collect a sample of cells from the cervix. The process takes just a few minutes.

Your results and what’s changing from July 2025

Your sample will be tested for high-risk HPV. If HPV is found, the same sample is checked for abnormal cells.

From 1 July 2025, cervical screening intervals are changing in England.
If you’re aged 25 to 49 and your test shows no high-risk HPV, you’ll be invited for your next screening in 5 years instead of 3.

This is based on robust scientific evidence showing that those who test negative for HPV are at very low risk of developing cervical cancer in the following 10 years.

If you do test positive for HPV, you’ll continue to be monitored more frequently (usually every 1–3 years) to keep you safe.

This change brings England in line with Wales and Scotland and is supported by the UK National Screening Committee.

Common myths about cervical screening

Many people avoid screening because of common myths and misconceptions.

One myth is that cervical screening is painful and uses large, uncomfortable equipment. In reality, while some people may feel mild discomfort, the test is quick, and adjustments such as smaller speculums can be requested to ease any discomfort. The procedure is usually carried out by a female nurse or doctor who is trained to make the experience as smooth and respectful as possible.

Another myth is that screening tells you if you have cancer. Cervical screening does not diagnose cancer. It is a preventative test that looks for early signs of cell changes so they can be treated before they become cancer.

If you would like to learn more about cervical cancer and the screening process, visit https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/cervical-cancer   


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