Cervical screening is a quick test that checks for HPV and abnormal cell changes.

Who Is Invited?

In the UK, screening is offered to:

• Ages 25 to 49 → every 3 years
• Ages 50 to 64 → every 5 years

👉 You will receive an invitation through the NHS when it’s your turn.

What Happens During the Test?

• A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix
• The test usually takes a few minutes
• It can feel uncomfortable, but should not be painful

👉 You can ask questions and take your time — your comfort matters.

🏥 How the NHS Can Support You

The NHS provides support every step of the way:

Before Your Appointment

• Information about what to expect
• Ability to discuss concerns with your GP or nurse

During Screening

• Respectful, trained professionals
• Option to request a female clinician
• Support to help you feel comfortable

After Results

You will receive your results by letter.

Results may show:

• No HPV → no further action needed
• HPV present but no abnormal cells → monitoring
• HPV with abnormal cells → further checks

👉 Most results are not cancer.

If Further Investigation Is Needed

You may be referred for:

• A colposcopy (a closer look at the cervix)
• Simple treatments to remove abnormal cells

👉 These steps are preventative and aim to stop cancer developing

💛 Common Concerns

It’s normal to feel:

• Nervous or worried about discomfort
• Embarrassed about the test
• Unsure whether it’s necessary

👉 These feelings are common — and support is there to help you through them.

Cervical screening (sometimes called a smear test) is a free NHS test that helps detect early changes in the cervix before they can develop into cancer.

At Basch Helps, we want to make this topic feel less confusing, less intimidating, and easier to act on.

👉 Cervical screening saves lives — and most abnormal results do not mean cancer.

🔬 What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a cancer found in the cervix, which is the opening to the womb.

It usually develops slowly over time, often starting with small cell changes that can be treated early if found.

What Causes It?

The main cause is a very common virus called HPV (human papillomavirus).

• Most people will have HPV at some point
• Usually, the body clears it naturally
• In some cases, it can lead to changes in cervical cells

👉 Screening helps detect these changes early, before they become serious.

🔍 Symptoms to Be Aware Of

Cervical cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages — which is why screening is so important.

Possible symptoms include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, or after menopause)
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Persistent pelvic pain

👉 These symptoms do not always mean cancer — but it’s important to get them checked.

❤️ How Basch Helps Supports You

At Basch Helps, we understand that attending screening can feel difficult.

We can:

• Offer a safe space to talk through concerns
• Encourage and support you to attend
• Help guide you to NHS services
• Support you emotionally before or after appointments

👉 You don’t have to face this alone.