Cervical screening is a free health test available on the NHS as part of the national cervical screening programme. It helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus called high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes. It is not a test for cancer. A cervical screening test (sometimes known as a smear test) is carried out to check for abnormal cells on a cervix. The cervix is the entrance to the womb and is inside the vagina.
Cervical screening tests for a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cervical cell changes to develop into cervical cancer, which currently affects around 3,300 women every year, so it’s an important test to have.
For more information please visit the link below:
There are now two ways to access HPV testing
There are now two ways you may be offered HPV testing as part of cervical screening:
- Cervical screening (smear test) – a healthcare professional takes a sample from your cervix at your GP surgery or sexual health clinic.
- HPV self-testing – if you are eligible and invited, you can collect your own sample using a swab at home or in a private space and return it to the NHS by post.
If you are invited for HPV self-testing, you can choose to attend a cervical screening appointment instead.
Cervical screening remains one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. HPV self-testing is initially being offered to eligible people who have not attended cervical screening following previous invitations.
If you are registered with a GP and eligible for smear testing you will get a letter inviting you to attend a cervical screening appointment or an at home self-testing kit. You can then arrange your appointment at your GP practice for a time when you think you will not be on your period OR wait for the delivery of your test kit.
Our service does not routinely offer cervical smear testing. If you are attending one of our clinics for another reason, we may be able to provide a cervical smear test but only if the practitioner is qualified to take smears.
If you have symptoms of cervical cancer or are worried, please contact your GP for further discussion and examination.
NHS guidelines are for all women (or anyone that has a cervix) to have regular cervical screening from age 25 to 64.
Aged 25 to 64 and 364 days – every 5 years
If you are aged 65 or over, you will no longer be invited for cervical screening (a smear test) unless you are being followed up for cell changes (abnormal cells).
People with a cervix and living with HIV should have their smears annually.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It looks for abnormal cells in the cervix. Abnormal cells can develop into cancer if left untreated.
The test involves using a soft brush to take a small sample of cells from the surface of your cervix. The sample is put into a small plastic container and sent to a laboratory. It is tested for the types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. If you have a negative result for the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, your risk of cervical cancer is very low and there is no need to check for abnormal cells even if you have had these in the past.
If you have a positive result for HPV the lab will check the sample for abnormal cells. Abnormal cells are not cancer, but they could develop into cancer if left untreated.
As a next step the screening programme may offer you another examination (called a colposcopy) to look at your cervix more closely. If abnormal cells are found during colposcopy the cells will be removed. This is how screening can prevent cervical cancer.
For more information on cervical screening please visit the Cancer Matters Wessex website
What is HPV self-testing?
HPV self-testing is a simple way to test yourself for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can cause cervical cancer. You collect your own sample using a swab and send it back to the NHS by post.
Who is it for?
Initially, eligible women and people with a cervix aged 30 to 65 who have not attended cervical screening following previous invitations will be invited to take part.
When is it available?
HPV self-testing starts rolling out from 25 August 2026. Invitations will be sent in phases, initially to around 4 million eligible people.
Where can I do it?
You can collect your sample at home or in another private space, without an appointment. Your kit will include instructions and everything you need to return your sample to the NHS for free.
Why is the NHS offering it?
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect against cervical cancer. HPV self-testing is being introduced to help people who have not attended screening take part in testing in a way that may be more convenient and comfortable for them.
If high-risk HPV is found, this does not mean you have cervical cancer. You will be asked to attend a cervical screening appointment so a healthcare professional can check for cell changes.
If you are invited to take part, you can order your free kit through the NHS App, your NHS online account or the telephone service provided in your invitation.
You can still book a cervical screening appointment at any time through your GP.
If you would like to read more we have an NHS leaflet available here. Scroll down to Cervical Screening.
If you have symptoms, contact your GP surgery about having an examination.
Cervical screening is not for people who have symptoms.
Accessible information on Cervical Screening
The links and embedded video below offer some additional information on cervical screening.
Please visit this link to MacMillan's Understanding cervical screening and CIN leaflet