Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer and save lives. It is sometimes called a ‘smear’.
Useful websites:
- NHS information – Cervical screening – NHS
- Cancer Research UK – About Cervical Screening | Cancer Research UK
- Video explaining what to expect at your screening appointment: Cervical screening: what to expect | NHS (youtube.com).
- Easy-read information – Cervical screening: an easy guide – GOV.UK
- Trans and non-binary information – Trans and non-binary cancer screening | Cancer Research UK
- British Sign Language Video: Cervical screening (smear test) – BSL | Translations
- Information leaflet for Gypsies and Travellers
- ‘My Body Back’ provides information for people who may find examination and screening difficult due to experiences of sexual violence. Resources – My Body Back Project – My Body Back Project
HPV Vaccination
HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus. This is a common virus that most people will be exposed to at some point in their lives. Most types of the virus are harmless, but some types can be associated with cancer, including cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine protects against the HPV virus.
Even if you have had the vaccine, you should still attend for your routine cervical screening as there is still a small risk of developing this type of cancer.
The NHS information is available here. This includes who can get a vaccine and how to get it: HPV vaccine – NHS
