Cervical screening is offered to women aged between 25 and 64 to help prevent cervical cancer. The screening test or smear test detects early pre-cancerous changes in cells that line the cervix. Most changes are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The cervical screening programme is for women who have no symptoms of the disease.
All women registered with a GP in Northern Ireland who fall within the screening age range are automatically invited to go for a screening test.
Women aged between 25 and 49 are invited every three years and women aged between 50 and 64 are invited every five years. Make sure your GP has your correct name and most up-to-date address to ensure you receive your invitation for screening.
Cervical screening checks a sample of cells from your cervix for certain types of HPV. These types of HPV can cause abnormal changes to the cells in your cervix and are referred to as ‘high risk HPV’. If high risk HPV is detected during screening, the sample of cells will also be checked for abnormal cell changes under a microscope. If abnormal cells are found, they can be treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
Attending regular screening tests is the best way for women to protect themselves from developing cervical cancer in the future.
HPV vaccination
The HPV vaccine protects against types of HPV that cause most cases of genital warts and cervical cancer, as well as some other cancers. It does not protect against all types of HPV. It is important for women to continue to take up their screening invitations as not all cervical cancers can be prevented by vaccination.
Follow this link to find out more about the Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme