Cervical Screening @ Park Road Practice
The cervical screening programme was paused during 2020 due to the pandemic however routine screening has now resumed.
We understand that the prospect of attending a smear test seems daunting to many and for that reason we have provided some information below to help answer any questions you might have.
Why do I need cervical screening?
Cervical cancer is largely preventable and screening is the best way to protect against the disease, however 1 in 3 women in Scotland still do not attend a smear test.
Do I need to have cervical screening?
You should continue to have regular cervical screening, even if you:
- Haven’t been sexually active for a long time
- Have been through the menopause
- Have had the HPV vaccination
- Have had a subtotal hysterectomy – the removal of your uterus but you still have a cervix
- Are lesbian or bisexual – HPV can be passed on through other forms of sexual activity
You might not need cervical screening if you:
- Have had a total hysterectomy (removal of both uterus and cervix)
- Are pregnant
Who is Eligible?
Cervical screening is offered to anyone with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 years routinely every 5 years.
What is involved?
The cervical screening test (also known as a smear test) involves using a small brush to take a sample of cells from the cervix, which is sent to the lab and checked for the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV causes 99% of cervical cancers, but has no symptoms. (Scottish Government, 2021)
Why has my recall changed from 3 to 5 years?
In March 2020, HPV testing replaced cervical cytology (looking at the sample of cells under the microscope) as the primary test for cervical cancer. Testing cervical screening samples for HPV first is more sensitive and accurate.
Cervical cytology will become increasingly less effective as a primary screening test, as the numbers of HPV immunised people in the screened population increase. (Public Health Scotland, 2021)
What happens after my test?
If no HPV is found, the person has a very low risk of developing cervical cancer within 5 years, as it takes around 10 to 15 years to develop after a HPV infection. They are therefore invited for their next routine cervical screening appointment in 5 years’ time.
It is important that during the time between cervical screening appointments, if you develop any unusual symptoms (eg unusual bleeding/ pain or discomfort during sex etc) that you make an appointment with your GP to discuss this.
If HPV is found in the sample it will be sent to cytology for a closer look under the microscope. A person’s pathway and subsequent follow-up will differ according to the test results.
Who does this?
Our nurses:
Lorraine – Practice Nurse
Chloe – Treatment Room Nurse
Useful resources
Jo’s cervical cancer trust: https://www.jostrust.org.uk/
NHS Inform: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/cervical/cervical-screening-smear-test
If you have any questions regarding cervical screening please do not hesitate to phone the surgery to speak to one of our colleagues.
