Screening
Support with cervical screening
Some links on this page have been colour coded to make it easier to find the information you need:
As Patient info suggest
“The cervical screening test is not a cancer test. The test is used to detect early abnormalities of the cervix which, if untreated, could lead to cervical cancer in the future.”
“Cervical Screening | Cervical Smear Test.” Patient info website. Retrieved 26th January 2024
However as the BBC suggest many are not taking up this screening opportunity
“About three million women across England have not had a smear test for at least three-and-a-half years. About 72% (down from 75.4% in 2012) of women aged 25 to 64 have had a smear test within the period recommended for their age, according to figures compiled in March 2017.”
“Cervical screening: Millions missing smear tests.” BBC website. Retrieved 9th February 2023.
Cervical screening: Millions missing smear tests – BBC News
Cervical screening is a preventative test helping to prevent cancer but there are many reasons women do not have the test. It is very important any concerns are addressed and there is more support to have a smear.
Nurses locally are very keen to do that and understand the difficulties and concerns that many have. They can support you through having a smear but there is also material here to support you including a national helpline.
When will you be invited for cervical screening
As the NHS suggest
“You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.” The link explains when you will be invited for cervical screening.
When you’ll be invited for cervical screening – NHS
NATIONAL SUPPORT - SELF REFERRAL
Helpline FOR CERVICAL SCREENING
From Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust
People contact our helpline for lots of different reasons, including:
- To find out more about human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Questions about smear tests and results.
- Parents wanting to know more about the HPV vaccination.
- Queries about what to expect at colposcopy or to talk through a diagnosis of cervical cell changes (abnormal cells).
- Calls from women who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, and their loved ones, about everything from treatment options and fertility to coping with life after cancer.
- Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Helpline Helpline | Get Support | Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust
- Get Support Get Support | Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust
SUPPORT HAVING A SMEAR
CERVICAL SCREENING
From the NHS, Patient info and NICE
Cervical screening
- Cervical screening – NHS
- Cervical Screening | Cervical Smear Test | Patient
- Cervical screening | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
From the Thames Valley Cancer Alliance
Cervical cancer prevention (includes some videos) Cervical Cancer – thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk
CERVICAL SCREENING SUPPORT FOR EVERYONE
As the NHS suggests
“You may need more help and support with cervical screening for many reasons.”
The NHS has produced an excellent support page which includes support for everyone (Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust see above under national support for helpline), support for people with learning disability, LGBT people, people with vulval pain and after sexual violence Further help and support for cervical screening – NHS
From Patient info
Smear test myths you need to stop believing Cervical smear test myths you need to stop believing | Patient
Support for LGBT+
From Gov UK
Cervical screening for lesbian and bisexual women Cervical screening for lesbian and bisexual women – GOV.UK
From Patient info
Do lesbian and bisexual women still need smear tests? Do lesbians still need smear tests for cervical cancer? | LGBT smear test | Patient
Learning disabilities support
From Gov UK
- Cervical screening: an easy guide (includes link Beyond Words cervical screening picture story) Cervical screening: an easy guide – GOV.UK
- An easy guide to cervical screening pdf
Video from NHS England
Accessing cervical screening with the right support for people with a learning disability Accessing cervical screening with the right support for people with a learning disability – YouTube
Cervical screening leaflets in different languages
From Gov UK
Click on the leaflet in the language you want
Cervical screening: leaflet for women considering screening Cervical screening: leaflet for women considering screening – GOV.UK
Clinical support
From Jo’s cervical cancer trust
The information on this page is aimed at professionals who want to understand barriers to cervical screening. This has been included to give you an idea how your nurse can support you.
Overcoming barriers to cervical screening Barriers to Cervical Screening | Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust
SUPPORT WITH AN ABNORMAL SMEAR
As Patient info suggest
For most people the smear test will be normal. An abnormal result does not mean cancer in the vast majority of cases but it does mean that further testing or treatment will be required. Treatment can be given to prevent cancer from developing in people with abnormal cells.
“Cervical Screening | Cervical Smear Test.” Patient info website. Retrieved 26th January 2024
UNDERSTANDING AN ABNORMAL CERVICAL SMEAR
From the NHS, Patient info and NICE
What do the results of the screening cervical test mean?
- Cervical screening results – NHS – NHS
- Cervical Screening | Cervical Smear Test | Patient
- Scenario: Cervical screening | Management | Cervical screening | CKS | NICE
Helpline to help with understanding an abnormal smear
In the section “National support- self referral” above there is a link to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Helpline. The charity can provide support and explain any results and any future investigations if required.
Understanding colposcopy
As Patient info suggest
“You may be referred for a colposcopy if you have one of the higher grades of abnormality on your test. You may also be referred for colposcopy if you have had three inadequate or borderline results in a row, or if you have had three abnormal results (of any grade) within a 10-year period.”
“Cervical Screening | Cervical Smear Test.” Patient info website. Retrieved 26th January 2024
From the NHS and Patient info
- What is a colposcopy? Colposcopy – NHS
- Colposcopy and Cervical Treatments Colposcopy and Cervical Treatments | Patient
From Gov UK
Cervical screening: having a colposcopy Cervical screening: having a colposcopy – GOV.UK
