Cancer Screening

Cervical Screening: Smear Tests

Women aged between 24 and 64 should have a cervical screening every 3 to 5 years to help prevent cervical cancer. The screening is quick and painless and can be done here in the practice.

If you are aged over 24 and have never had a smear test, or if it has been more than 3 to 5 years since your last screening, you should arrange an appointment with our Practice Nurse. You should not have the test while you are having a period or in the 4 days before or after your period as this can affect the sample.

If you have received a message inviting you for your cervical screening but you've already had it, please let us know via this form: 

Update your cervical screening status here 

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It is a method of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities which, if left untreated, could lead to cancer in a woman's cervix (the neck of the womb).

A sample of cells is taken from the cervix for analysis. A doctor or nurse inserts an instrument (a speculum) to open the woman's vagina and uses a spatula to sweep around the cervix. Most women consider the procedure to be only mildly uncomfortable.

Early detection and treatment can prevent 75 per cent of cancers developing but like other screening tests, it is not perfect. It may not always detect early cell changes that could lead to cancer.

You can find out more about Cervical Screening on the NHS Website. 

Who is eligible for cervical screening?

All women between the ages of 25 and 64 are eligible for a free cervical screening test every three to five yearsThe NHS call and recall system invites women who are registered with a GP. It also keeps track of any follow-up investigation, and, if all is well, recalls the woman for screening in three or five years time. It is therefore important that all women ensure their GP has their correct name and address details and inform them if these change.

Why are women under 25 not invited?

This is because changes in the young cervix are normal. If they were thought to be abnormal this could lead to unnecessary treatment which could have consequences for women's childbearing. Any abnormal changes can be easily picked up and treated from the age of 25. Rarely, younger women experience symptoms such as unexpected bleeding or bleeding after intercourse. In this case they should see their GP for advice.

Women who have not had a recent test may be offered one when they attend their GP or family planning clinic on another matter. Women should receive their first invitation for routine screening at 25.

Why are women over 65 not invited?

Women aged 65 and over who have had three consecutive negative results are taken out of the call recall system. The natural history and progression of cervical cancer means it is highly unlikely that such women will go on to develop the disease. Women aged 65 and over who have never had a test are entitled to one.

What about women who are not sexually active?

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme invites all women between the ages of 25 and 64 for cervical screening. But if a woman has never been sexually active with a man, then the research evidence shows that her chance of developing cervical cancer is very low indeed. We do not say no risk, only very low risk. In these circumstances, a woman might choose to decline the invitation for cervical screening on this occasion. If a woman is not currently sexually active but has had male partners in the past, then we would recommend that she continues screening. 

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Breast Cancer Screening

When going for a breast cancer screening, they will use a test called a mammogram, which takes x-rays of the breasts. This screening can help to detect breast cancers early, when they may be too small to feel or see. 

The NHS provides free breast screening every three years for women aged between 50-70 years. If you are over 70, you can request a breast screening test by contacting Central and East London Breast Screening service or call 020 3758 2024.

Bowel Cancer Screening

There are two types of tests used by the NHS bowel cancer screening: 

1. Bowel scope screening: This is carried out in a hospital, a thin tube with a camera at the end is used to look inside your bowel. If you are 55 you will be invited to a one-off bowel scope screening test, if it is available in your area. 
2. Home testing kit: This is carried out in the privacy of your own home using a testing kit that is sent to you via post. Traces of blood in the stool can be a sign of bowel cancer, but screening can help to detect the disease at an early stage when it is easier to treat. If you are aged between 60-74 you will automatically be invited to do a home test kit every 2 years. 

Click here to download the easy read guide to bowel cancer screening. 

Useful Videos 

If you are worried about Cancer symptoms during the Coronavirus pandemic, please watch this video:

To view this video in other languages, please click one of the links below: 

Cancer screening for people with learning disabilities:

Worried about your symptoms? Watch the video below for guidance: 

Last updated: 15/03/2023