Cervical cancer is largely preventable, yet around 2,600 people in England are diagnosed each year. Regular cervical screening (previously known as a smear test) remains one of the most effective ways to detect changes early and prevent cancer from developing.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week aims to ensure that everyone with a cervix knows the signs to look out for, understands the importance of screening, and is aware of the growing number of ways to get tested to help prevent cervical cancer developing.

What is cervical screening

Cervical screening is designed to check the health of the cervix and detect high risk HPV, the virus responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers. Finding HPV or cell changes early means they can be monitored or treated before they develop further. Screening saves thousands of lives each year in the UK.

In England, women aged 25 to 64 are invited for screening every five years (previously every three years for those under 50). If you are listed as female on your GP record, invitations are automatic. Trans men and non-binary people with a cervix can ‘opt in’ by informing their GP or sexual health service and they will be routinely invited for screening.

Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer

Although cervical cancer does not always show symptoms in its early stages, it’s important to see a GP urgently if you notice any of the following:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as between periods / after sex / after menopause

• Unusual vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant

• Pain during sex

• Pain in the pelvis or lower back

These symptoms don’t necessarily mean cervical cancer, but they should always be checked, even if you’ve recently been for a cervical screening test.

How to access a cervical screening test

1. Routine screening invitations

If you’re female aged 25–64, you'll receive an invitation from your GP when it’s time to book your screening, this may be via letter or text. Once invited, you can book an appointment at your GP practice or local sexual health clinic. If you are a trans man or non-binary and have opted in you will also be routinely invited.

2. Booking a cervical screening

You can book as soon as you receive your invitation. Make sure your GP has your correct name, address, phone number and email address so reminders reach you. You may be able to book online of via telephone depending on your GP’s booking system.

3. What happens at the appointment?

A screening appointment is quick, typically around 15 minutes, with the test itself lasting only a few minutes. You will lie down and the nurse will use a speculum to look inside your vagina to see your cervix and then use a soft brush to gather a small sample of cells to test for high risk HPV.

It may feel uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. If you do find it painful you can ask the nurse to stop, use a smaller speculum or try a different position.

If you have any concerns, you can speak with the nurse and discuss options available to you to ensure you are comfortable with the cervical screening.

4. When will I get the results

The nurse should be able to advise you of when they think you will get the results. These will usually be sent to you via the NHS App or letter. If you don’t hear by the date expected do not worry, as there can often be delays. Feel free to ring your GP for an update.

At-home testing: now rolled out by the NHS

NHS England has begun expanding access to self-sampling HPV tests, allowing eligible individuals to perform a simple at home test. This move aims to increase uptake among those who may find traditional screening uncomfortable or difficult to access.

How home testing works

• If you have not attended a regular cervical screening appointment you will be offered the option to order an at home testing kit.

• You will receive a kit containing a small swab and instructions.

• The swab is used to collect a sample from the vagina (not the cervix itself, so no speculum is needed).

• Once you have taken the sample, post it back to an NHS laboratory (all labels and packaging will be included)

• If high risk HPV is detected, you will be invited for a standard in clinic cervical screening.

Self sampling does not replace clinical cervical screening but offers an alternative first step for those less likely to attend appointments and potentially helping prevent future cases through earlier detection.

Who is eligible for cervical screening

According to NHS England only 68.8% of those who are eligible attend the test which is below NHS England target of 80%.

• Anyone aged 25–64 with a cervix is eligible.

• Screening continues every five years unless follow up is required.

• Individuals who have had a total hysterectomy do not need screening.

Looking after your cervical health

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. You can reduce your risk by:

• Attending screening when invited

• Knowing the symptoms

• Completing your HPV vaccination course (if offered)

• Seeking medical advice promptly if anything changes

The NHS has plans to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, through increasing uptake of both HPV vaccination, which protects against most forms of the virus, and cervical screening, which checks for high-risk HPV.

For more information on cervical screening visit the NHS website.

Sometimes cervical screening can be missed. Our team at JMW is experienced in dealing with cases involving delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer, often due to screening failures. Therefore we understand how vitally important it is for the NHS to have a robust screening system in place. A delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer can have devastating consequences and medical experts often tell us that it is one of the most preventable cancers, given that abnormalities can be detected and treated at an early stage with appropriate screening.

If you have concerns about delays or mistakes in your cervical screening or diagnosis, which has led to cervical cancer please get in touch with JMW’s clinical negligence solicitors who can offer expert advice and support to help you get answers and financial security for you or you loved one's future.