Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix and helps find any abnormal changes before they can turn into cancer. It's not a test for cancer, it's a test to help prevent cancer.
All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment with a practice nurse. If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter to book an appointment.
How often you are invited depends on your age.
When you'll be invited for cervical screening |
|
Age |
When you're invited |
Under 25 |
Up to 6 months before you turn 25 |
25 to 49 |
Every 3 years |
50 to 64 |
Every 5 years |
65 or older |
Only if a recent test was abnormal |