Screening - Cervical Cancer
If you’re a woman between the ages of 25 and 64 then you will be offered FREE NHS screening (smear tests) for cervical cancer. Women aged 25 to 49 are invited every three years and women aged 50-64 are invited every five years. Cervical cancer is very rare in women under 25.
Cervical screening doesn’t test for cancer, it spots abnormalities which may lead to cancer. However, early detection and treatment can prevent around 75% of cancers developing and experts predict that cervical screening saves up to 4,500 lives a year in England.
More information on cervical cancer and the screening process can be found on the NHS Cancer Screening website.
The main symptoms of cervical cancer are unusual bleeding from the vagina when a woman is not having her period. This includes bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex or any bleeding in post-menopausal women. Other symptoms may include a vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant, or discomfort or pain during sex. If you’re a woman of any age and you have these symptoms then you should speak to your GP urgently.
Return to the main Screening page
Cervical Cancer Screening resources for GP practices
© Copyright 2009 NHS Hampshire. NHS Hampshire is a part of Hampshire Primary Care Trust 