How cervical screening works
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer; it looks for abnormal cells in the cervix. Abnormal cells can develop into cancer if left untreated.
The test involves using a soft brush to take a small sample of cells from the surface of your cervix. The sample is put into a small plastic container and sent to a laboratory. It is tested for the types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. If you have a negative result for the most common types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, your risk of cervical cancer is very low and there is no need to check for abnormal cells even if you have had these in the past.
If you have a positive result for HPV we will check the sample for abnormal cells. Abnormal cells are not cancer, but they could develop into cancer if left untreated.
As a next step we may offer you another examination (called a colposcopy) to look at your cervix more closely. If we find abnormal cells during colposcopy we may suggest you have the cells removed. This is how screening can prevent cervical cancer.
No screening is 100% effective. In cervical screening this is because:
- An HPV infection or abnormal cells can sometimes be missed (a ‘false negative’ result)
- Abnormal cells can develop and turn into cancer in between screening tests.
- There is a small chance that a result says abnormal cells are found when the cervix is normal (a ‘false positive’ result) If you have not received your result in two weeks please inform the surgery. If at any time you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding after sex between periods, please make an appointment to see the doctor or nurse.
- If you have any worries regarding your cervical screening test or result please contact Dr Parker, or practice nurses: Jillian Marshall or Susan Haley.
- If screening does not find abnormal cells that does not guarantee that you do not have them, or that they will never develop in the future.
If screening does not find abnormal cells that does not guarantee that you do not have them, or that they will never develop in the future.
If you have not received your result in two weeks please inform the surgery.
If you have any worries regarding your cervical screening test or result please contact Dr Parker, or practice nurses: Jillian Marshall or Susan Haley.
If at any time you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding after sex between periods, please make an appointment to see the doctor or nurse.
NHS - Cervical Screening
The why, when & how guide to cervical screening
NHS Inform (Scottish Patients)
Cervical Screening information, risks, benefits and tests for patients based in Scotland
Cervical Screening
This factsheet is for women who would like information about having a cervical smear test for screening. This means having the test when you don't have any symptoms.
HPV Vaccination
Since September 2008 there has been a national programme to vaccinate girls aged 12-13 against human papilloma virus (HPV). There is also a three-year catch up campaign that will offer the HPV vaccine (also known as the cervical cancer jab) to 13-18 year old girls.
The programme is delivered largely through secondary schools, and consists of three injections that are given over a six-month period. In the UK, more than 1.4 million doses have been given since the vaccination programme started.
What is Human papilloma virus (HPV)?
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name of a family of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes that line your body, such as those in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat. These membranes are called the mucosa.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV viruses, with about 40 types affecting the genital area. These are classed as high risk and low risk.
How you get HPV?
Types of HPV that affect the skin can be passed on by skin contact with an affected person. The types of HPV that affect the mouth and throat can be passed on through kissing. Genital HPV is usually spread through intimate, skin to skin, contact during sex. You can have the genital HPV virus for years and not have any sign of it.
How HPV can cause cervical cancer?
Most HPV infections are harmless or cause genital warts, however some types can cause cervical cancer. Most HPV infections clear up by themselves, but in some people the infection can last a long time. HPV infects the cells of the surface of the cervix where it can stay for many years without you knowing.
The HPV virus can damage these cells leading to changes in their appearance. Over time, these changes can develop into cervical cancer. The purpose of cervical screening (testing) is to detect these changes, which, if picked up early enough, can be treated to prevent cancer happening. If they are left untreated, cancer can develop and may lead to serious illness and death.
Cancer Research UK
HPV Facts and information
NHS - HPV Vaccination Why, how and when is the vaccination given and what are the side effects
HPV Vaccine
This factsheet is for people who would like information about the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. About 46,000 women get breast cancer in the UK each year. Most of them (8 out of 10) are over 50, but younger women, and in rare cases men, can also get breast cancer.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites over 2 million women for screening every year, and detects over 14,000 cancers. Dr Emma Pennery of Breast Cancer Care says: “Breast X-rays, called mammograms, can detect tumours at a very early stage, before you’d feel a lump. The earlier it’s treated, the higher the survival rate.”
Find out more about breast cancer screening
Macmillan Cancer Research
The causes and symptoms of breast cancer in women and explains how it is diagnosed and treated
NHS
Symtpoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention & screening information
NHS Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice