Cervical screening is a crucial health check for anyone with a cervix, aimed at preventing cervical cancer. It involves testing a sample of cells from the cervix for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of the cervix.
Who Needs Cervical Screening?
- Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are eligible for cervical screening.
- This includes trans men and non-binary people assigned female at birth who have a cervix.
- Those aged 25 to 49 are invited every 3 years.
- Those aged 50 to 64 are invited every 5 years.
Why is it Important? Cervical screening can prevent potentially harmful cells from developing into cancer. It is not a test for cancer but a test to help prevent it.
What to Expect During the Test:
- The test is usually done by a nurse or doctor and takes about 5 minutes. The whole appointment takes about 20 minutes.
- A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix using a soft brush.
- If you have concerns about the procedure, please discuss them with our healthcare team.
Considerations for Trans Men:
- If you are on testosterone therapy, it may cause changes to the cervix, which can make the test slightly more uncomfortable. Please inform the nurse or doctor if you are on hormone therapy.
- You can request a healthcare professional of a specific gender to perform the test if that makes you more comfortable.
Results:
- Results are usually available within a few weeks.
- Most results are normal, but if any changes are detected, further tests may be needed.
Opting Out:
- Participation in cervical screening is your choice. If you decide to withdraw from the cervical screening programme, a smear disclaimer must be signed in writing from the GP Practice. Signing the disclaimer will only withdraw you from the programme for 3 or 5 year depending on your age.
- To withdraw from the cervical screening programme, please contact us via our online form.
- You can return to the programme at any time providing you are still eligible for screening.
How to book
To book in for your cervical smear please complete our online form, alternatively contact the practice on 0161-272-5656 to speak with one of our Patient Service Advisors who can assist you in booking your appointment.
We are committed to providing inclusive and respectful care for all our patients. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Resources
Further Information: For more detailed information, please visit the NHS website: NHS Cervical Screening.
“Helping you decide” – leaflet sent in English to all invitees, available online in Arabic, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, Gujirati, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Urdu : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-description-in-brief
Trans and Non Binary patients https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-symptoms/spot-cancer-early/screening/trans-and-non-binary-cancer-screening
Patients living with a Learning Disability https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-supporting-women-with-learning-disabilities