Cervical Screening
What is a cervical smear test?
In the UK, the cervical smear test saves 1000 lives every year and has prevented 8 out of 10 cervical cancers developing (NHS Scotland). However it cannot prevent all cases.
A cervical smear test is a screening test which checks to see if the cells that make up the surface of the neck of your womb (cervix) are normal. It aims to identify any abnormalities, which can be simply and effectively treated.
It is important to have regular smear checks every three years in order to make sure that no abnormalities have occurred since your last smear.
Who needs a cervical smear test?
All women between the age of 20 and 60 years of age who have had sex need a cervical smear. This includes women in same sex relationships.
It is also important to remember that even if you are over the age of 60 or if you have at any age, any abnormal bleeding or discharge from the vagina, bleeding after sex, bleeding in between your periods or after the menopause that you seek medical advice.
Where do I go for my smear test?
Most women go to their doctor or practice nurse for a smear test. You can also go to your local family planning clinic.
What happens when my smear is taken?
Make sure that you make your appointment for a day when you will not have your period, as the doctor or nurse that takes your smear will need to see your cervix clearly.
You will be asked to remove your underwear and to lie down on an examination couch, and to bend your knees. The doctor or nurse will gently insert a plastic tube called a speculum into your vagina to hold it open so that your cervix can be seen. They will then brush cells from the cervix. These cells will then be sent to a laboratory in Lanarkshire where they will be examined under a microscope.
Will the test hurt?
Most women say that having a smear test does not hurt although some say it is uncomfortable. Some women are very anxious and embarrassed about having a smear test. This is completely understandable but remember that the doctor or nurse who takes your smear is used to taking smears and will try and make you feel as comfortable as possible. Please tell them if you have any worries or are nervous and they will try and help you relax.
How will I get my result?
In 2007 the Scottish cervical screening programme based in Lanarkshire was computerised. This means that you will get the result of your smear directly from them within 20 days. Your GP will also get a copy of the result as will the person that took your smear if different to your GP. If you have not received your result within four weeks please contact the person that took it for you and they will be able to look into on your behalf.
What about my result?
For most people the result of the cervical smear test confirms that the cells that make up the cervix are normal. If this is the case you will automatically be invited to have another smear in three years.
Sometime the laboratory finds that there are not enough cells present for them to examine your sample, this is known as an unsatisfactory result. This is nothing to worry about but it does mean that your smear will need to be repeated. Some smears show very small changes, this is called a borderline result and your smear will probably be repeated within 3 – 6 months.
If abnormalities are found the smear will be reported as abnormal and the abnormalities may be referred to as mild, moderate or severe dyskaryosis.
Your result letter will advise you of any referral that you will require to investigate the cells of your cervix further. Usually you will be sent an appointment to see someone for colposcopy treatment. This involves gently removing the abnormal cells to prevent further problems later.
What happens to my smear?
Your smear will be kept for 10 years by the laboratory, so that earlier and later results can be compared if there are any concerns.
How is my screening information used?
Medical and nursing staff are bound by a strict code of confidentiality. Information on smears may be used for clinical audit, education and training. This helps ensure that standards are being met and any improvements to the service are made.
You have the right not to agree to your information being shared. You also have the right to access any computer or written records relating to you personally. If you require any of your information please contact your local NHS data protection officer.
REMEMBER - LOOK AFTER YOUR SELF.
HAVE A REGULAR SMEAR
CHECK