Women and people with a cervix (neck of the womb) are being encouraged to attend their cervical screening appointments when invited by the NHS.

Cervical screening (also  known as a  smear test) checks the health of the cervix and looks for  a certain high risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause cervical cancer. If that type of high risk HPV is found, it can be treated before it turns into cancer.

The test is very important for preventing cancer and is offered to women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64. The test is usually done at a GP practice by a female nurse.

Despite the potentially life-saving benefits of cervical screening and success of the programme, attendance for cervical screening in England is low.

Some studies have found ethnicity has been associated with lower attendance of cervical screening.

Portrait photo of Dr Nadia Ali-Ross, clinical lead, gynaecology pathway boardDr Nadia Ali-Ross, Clinical Lead for Gynaecological Cancer, Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said:

“We know many people, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds, don’t attend their cervical screening appointments, for a variety of reasons like embarrassment, inconvenient appointments or worry about discomfort during the smear test. I’d like to reassure you that the NHS is here to make the test as easy and comfortable as possible.

“Some people may think they are not at risk of cervical cancer, but all women and people with a cervix can get cervical cancer and should come forward for the life-saving screening when invited.

“The test itself takes a couple of minutes and you can bring someone with you to your appointment, such as a friend or family member, to help you feel more comfortable.

“Don’t ignore your invite when you receive it and book an appointment as soon as possible, and if you have missed any previous appointments, please contact your GP practice.”

It’s also important that people who have had an operation such as a hysterectomy and who may no longer have a cervix to still attend their cervical screening.

You still need to attend cervical screening if you are in a same-sex relationship.

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV and this is what cervical screening tests for – if your cells are shown to be abnormal, it is easily treatable, without ever developing into cancer.

Symptoms of cervical cancer can include:

• pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy
• vaginal bleeding that’s unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
• pain when intimate with a partner

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your GP.

However, you don’t need to be experiencing any symptoms to have a cervical screening test. Screening is about preventing cancer and stopping it in its tracks.

For more information about cervical screening, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/