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Together with Wellbeing of Women, we're bringing you the facts about what a cervical screening does and why it's so important. See the story provided by the charity below to find out more!
What is cervical screening
test?
Also known as a smear test, cervical screening checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the womb that connects to your vagina. It checks for high-risk HPV and if positive, the cells are looked at to see if they are pre-cancerous. It’s not a test for cancer, but it can help prevent cancer by spotting any problems early. This screening is crucial as it helps to prevent cervical cancer.
Who should attend cervical screening?
You're automatically invited for screening if you are:
- Between the ages of 25 and 64
- Registered as female with a GP surgery
Trans men do not receive invitations if registered as male with their GP but are still entitled to screening if they have a cervix. Make sure you speak to your GP and ensure you are invited for screening if that applies to you.
What does cervical screening look for?
The test does not look for cancer itself, but for early cell changes that might develop into cancer. It looks for human papillomavirus (HPV) a virus that can cause abnormal cells. If HPV is found, another test is done to check for abnormal cells.
Caroline's Story
I was 36 when I first received an abnormal smear result, one year after I tested positive for HPV. I was called to have a colposcopy during lockdown and I had an appointment the following week.
The nurses and doctor were brilliant, very chatty and reassuring, making sure I was comfortable and that I knew exactly what was going on. They found some abnormal cells and were able to remove them right there and then. There were no further issues.
The smear a year after that showed the all clear. Knowing that cancer could have developed but was caught early was a relief. The smear test is a minor inconvenience that really could save you from having a nasty illness. I will always make sure I go for my smear tests when needed and I urge all women to do the same.
Do I need to go for screening if I’ve had the vaccine?
The HPV vaccine helps to protect against cancers caused by HPV and is given as one injection.
Boys and girls are offered the vaccine between 12 and 13 years old.
The vaccine does not protect against all subtypes of HPV, so you should still attend your screening even if you’ve had a vaccination.
Importance of regular screening?
Regular cervical screenings are vital for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Since the screening programme started, the number of women dying from cervical cancer has halved. The screening checks for high-risk HPV and, if positive, examines the cells for precancerous changes. It's not a test for cancer, but it helps prevent cancer by spotting problems early.
NEXT Partners with Wellbeing of Women
We're pleased to announce that we have partnered with Wellbeing of Women to support the amazing work they do to save and change the lives of women, girls and babies.
Together with Wellbeing of Women we will work to tackling the taboos surrounding women’s health and provide support and knowledge and raise awareness.
Watch this space on the future topics that we will explore with Wellbeing of Women.
Resources and Support from Wellbeing of Women
"Just a Period"
Millions of women, girls and people who menstruate suffer with severe period pain and heavy bleeding that disrupts their lives. Instead of getting the treatment and support they desperately need, they’re often dismissed and told it’s “Just a period”. Nobody should suffer from period symptoms holding them back.
Wellbeing of Women want to educate and empower girls and women to be in control of their menstrual health from their first period to their last. By knowing what a ‘normal period’ is, they can recognise when they need more help and have the confidence to advocate for their care.
We want to ensure that menstrual health never prevents girls and women from reaching their potential and enables them to thrive.
Tackling Health Inequality for Women From Marginalised Communities
Black women are four times more likely to die in pregnancy, childbirth and the six-week period after, disabled women struggle to access life-saving screenings and women from ethnic minority backgrounds find themselves dismissed, with dangerous delays to getting treatment.
The Health Collective has emerged out of the urgent need to do more to ensure all girls and women receive the best care, regardless of their background or the community they belong to. It is made up of and led by grassroots organisations, representing women’s voices from every marginalised community in our society.
Get Involved and Fundraise for Wellbeing of Women
Below we'll share events you can get involved in to raise money for Wellbeing of Women and show your support.
London Landmarks Half Marathon, Sunday 6th April 2025
The only half marathon to go through both the City of London and City of Westminster. The race starts by The Strand, finishes by Downing Street and has fabulous views of London’s most iconic landmarks including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Nelson’s Column, the Gherkin, the Shard, the Tower of London and the London Eye.
Check out all of Wellbeing of Women’s upcoming challenge events here.
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