Cervical Cancer Screening Test
What is cervical cancer screening?
The test will check the health of the cervix (neck of the womb). This involves taking a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix. This allows us to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) and to spot abnormal changes in the cervix.
Finding changes in the cervix before they become cancerous gives you the best possible chance of successful treatment.
Register for cervical screening:
Cervical smears are FREE of charge. You won’t automatically be invited for screening when you reach 25 or when you move to the island. You need to book your first appointment with one of the female GPs at Lido Medical Practice.
Once registered, you will be invited for cervical screening every 5 years from the age of 25 to 64.
Why you should attend?
Most cervical cancers occur in people aged 25 to 64. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer occurring in those aged 35 and under.
The screening test is designed to detect human papillomavirus (HPV). Some high-risk types of HPV can lead to abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. If your sample is HPV positive, it will also be tested for abnormal cervical cells.
What happens on the day?
The cervical screening test uses a soft brush to take a small sample of cells from the surface of your cervix. You might find the procedure a bit uncomfortable but for most women it isn't painful.
At your appointment:
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you'll need to undress from the waist down and lie on an examination couch with a towel
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you'll position yourself on your back with your knees bent and apart
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your GP will gently insert a speculum into your vagina to hold it open, so they can see your cervix
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they will then gently brush cells from the cervix using a soft brush
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the sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis with results usually back in one month