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Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It is a way 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). Early detection and treatment can prevent three quarters of cancers developing.
The first stage of cervical screening is a screening test.
Your GP or nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix. The sample goes to a laboratory to see if any of the cells look abnormal. Some women who have an abnormal test result may need to have treatment to stop cancer developing in the future.
Remember, though, that most women who have an abnormal test result do not go on to develop cancer. Often, a repeat screening test shows that all is well.
All women aged 25 - 64 can have a free cervical screening test every 3-5 years. You will automatically get an invitation letter. (Please make sure that your GP has your correct, current address.) Any women aged 20 - 24 can talk to their GP about having an earlier test, should they wish.
On the Isle of Man, you can have your cervical screening test done at your GP practice or you can visit the Staywell 'Well Woman' Clinic at Noble's Hospital.
Because of cervical screening, invasive cervical cancer is now an uncommon disease in this country.
For more information...
Staywell Clinic
More information on the Staywell 'Well Woman' Clinic held at Noble's Hospital.
Understanding cervical screening
Cancerbackup booklet. It explains what a cervical screening test is, what an abnormal test result may mean, and how cervical cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are treated. It is based on the UK cervical screening programme. You can view this on-line, or contact Cancerbackup for a printed copy.
Cervical cancer information on this website
For information about cervical cancer – including the treatment of pre-cancerous changes – go to the cervical cancer section of this website.
