This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week and we would like to encourage women to go ahead and book their smear test. This is the only gynaecological cancer that offers screening. It checking for presence of abnormal cells which may develop into a cancer if left untreated. If you are experiencing any abnormal bleeding you should discuss this with your GP.
From the age of 25 to 64 you are invited to attend for a smear test every 1, 3 or 5 years depending on your age and previous history.
Benefits of cervical screening
- “Cervical screening aims to identify whether you are at higher risk of developing cervical cell changes or cervical cancer. This means you can get any care or treatment you need early.
- England, Scotland and Wales now use HPV primary screening, which is even better as it is based on your individual risk. This means how frequently you are invited for cervical screening is based on your last result and within a time frame that is safe for you.” (www.jostrust.org.uk)
When can I book my smear test?
You can book your smear test anytime as long as you are not on your period or are currently pregnant. You would usually be advised to wait a few weeks after a pregnancy has ended. We strongly advise having your smear test before conceiving if it is due, so you have reassurance that it is normal. If you are going to be having fertility treatment you will also be asked if your smear test is up to date.
Further information
Jo’s Trust is raising awareness this week. Everyone’s experience is different especially at different times in your life; your first smear, after childbirth or in menopause. Jo’s Trust are inviting women to post about their experience of a smear test with the hashtag #LetsTalkScreening