What is cervical screening?

• Cervical screening helps to prevent cervical cancer by checking for high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which causes nearly all cervical cancers. 

• High-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is found in over 99% of all cervical cancers. Cervical screening checks for these types of the HPV virus which can cause cell changes. However, having HPV does not mean that you have or will develop cervical cancer. 

• High-risk HPV testing is a more sensitive and accurate test than the previous screening method and is the best way to find out who is at higher risk of developing the cervical cell changes that over time could potentially lead to cervical cancer. 

• HPV is a common virus and most people will have it at some point in their life without knowing. It usually goes away on its own. However sometimes it can be long-lasting, and this may cause abnormal cells to develop in your cervix. These cells can, over time, turn into cancer if left untreated. 

• HPV is nothing to be embarrassed about and does not mean that any partner has been unfaithful. In many cases, your immune system will naturally get rid of HPV. 

• The NHS offers the HPV vaccination to girls and boys aged 12 and 13 at school in Year 8, up until school leaving age, with numerous catch up opportunities provided by the School Aged Vaccination Teams. GP practices will also offer an opportunistic service for those who may have missed vaccination in school from the age of 14 up until their 25^th.

• Even if you've been vaccinated it's important that you attend your cervical screening appointment when invited because the HPV vaccine doesn't protect against all strains of HPV. 
• The HPV vaccination, cervical screening and treatment for cell changes can all help prevent cervical cancer.

If you would like support or information regarding cervical cancer, you can contact:

MacMillan Cancer: 0808 808 00 00

Eve Appeal: 0808 802 0019