The importance of cervical screening
Ladies, it’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and it’s the perfect time to shine a light on our cervical health and the steps we can take to protect it.
This awareness week, we’re here to chat about one of the simplest yet most impactful things you can do for your health: cervical screening (previously known as a smear test).
It’s easy to feel nervous or even put off doing something like this, but we promise – cervical screening isn’t as scary as it sounds. Think of it as a necessary act of self-care that will help you take charge of your health and wellbeing.
In this blog, we’re demystifying the cervical screening process to raise awareness about the importance of cervical health and help women around the world take proactive steps to prevent cervical cancer. Are you ready to get started?
What causes cervical cancer?
First things first, let’s learn a little bit about what causes cervical cancer and why cervical screening is one of the best ways to prevent it.
In most cases, cervical cancer develops after persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that can be passed through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity.
While most HPV infections clear up on their own, some can lead to changes in cervical cells, which may develop into cancer over time. This is why regular cervical screening is so important – it helps us catch abnormalities early, before they have the chance to progress.
Let’s take a closer look at how often you should schedule a screening and what it actually involves.
How often should you get a cervical screening in the UK?
First things first, how often should women in the UK get a cervical screening? The recommendations are actually based on age:
- Ages 25-49: Every three years,
- Ages 50-64: Every five years,
- 65+: Only if you haven’t been screened since age 50 or have had recent abnormal results.
Cervical screening is free on the NHS – you’ll receive a letter letting you know when it’s time for your next appointment. Staying on top of these appointments can make all the difference when it comes to detecting any issues early.
If you’ve received a letter from the NHS inviting you to book a cervical screening, don’t ignore it. Schedule an appointment with your GP, add it to your calendar, and plan to make regular cervical screening part of your self-care routine.
What happens during cervical screening?
If you’ve never had a cervical screening before or it’s been a while since your last one, you’re probably curious about what actually happens during the appointment. We’ve broken it down into steps to help you understand the process and help you feel more prepared:
- Arrive: When you arrive at your appointment, the nurse or doctor will chat with you about the process and answer any questions you have.
- Get comfortable: You’ll be asked to undress behind a curtain from the waist down and lie down on an examination bed. You can cover yourself with the modesty sheet provided.
- The examination: The nurse will use a small instrument called a speculum to open your vagina. This can feel strange but it doesn't usually hurt.
- The sample collection: The nurse will use a soft brush to take a small sample of cells from your cervix. This can feel ticklish for some people and like a mild cramp for others.
- All done: The nurse will remove the speculum. You can get dressed and carry on with your day!
After your appointment, the cell sample will be sent off to a lab to check for HPV. If anything unusual is found, you’ll be contacted for further tests. Remember, most results come back clear, and even if something shows up, catching it early is the best thing you can do to protect your cervical health.
Why is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week so important?
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet it continues to be the fourth most common cancer for women globally. By promoting the life-saving HPV vaccination and shining a light on the importance of early detection through cervical screening, Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is making a real difference.
If you want to get involved, use this week to start conversations about cervical health with your friends and loved ones, and encourage them to schedule any overdue cervical screening appointments. We all deserve to take pride in prioritising our health!
A healthier, happier you is the most beautiful thing of all…
At Scarlett Gasque, we believe self-care comes in many forms – sometimes it’s a luxurious corset that makes you feel absolutely gorgeous, and sometimes it’s taking 10 minutes out of your day to put your health first.
For more information, visit the NHS cervical screening website or speak to your GP. And if you’re curious about learning more ways to put yourself first in 2025, check out our recent blog about confidence boosting resolutions!
