A smear test is performed as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme and offered free to all women aged 25 to 64 years in England. A small sample of cells are taken from your cervix during a pelvic examination. This is then checked for certain high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause changes to the cervix. If these are positive, then the smear is checked for abnormal cervical cells and referral to a quality assured NHS colposcopy clinic made directly. It is not a cancer test. The aim is to detect cervical changes that require treatment and prevent cervical cancer developing later.
We do not recommend routinely taking unscheduled cervical smears outside the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, which is an excellent screening service. We do not recommend taking a smear as part of a “well woman” check either. Results of smears taken outside the normal screening interval or colposcopy recommendations are often very misleading and offer false reassurance or unnecessary anxiety. Many minor smear abnormalities will resolve without any treatment. Most smear abnormalities that require treatment also take some time to develop (hence the 3-yearly screening interval before age 50 years).
Nevertheless, a few women may require cervical smears as part of follow-up after colposcopy and cervical treatment, and we can offer this service if requested, and after counselling.
Online Reference
More information on HPV, cervical smears and colposcopy can be found at the following external website:
- The national charity Jo’s Trust.
