Cervical Cancer Prevention Week
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
The screening test checks the health of the cervix and helps find any abnormal changes before they can turn into cancer - it's not a test for cancer, it's a test to help prevent cancer.
Screening is offered to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64. Those eligible will get a letter in the post inviting them to make an appointment. How often someone is invited depends on their age.
Booking your cervical screening appointment
If you have received an invitation for cervical screening, please don’t wait. Call your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as possible. Evening and weekend appointments are available at some GP practices, making it more convenient for you to attend. Some local sexual health services also offer cervical screening.
Top tips to make your screening appointment easier.
The Eve Appeal charity has information about cervical screening and top tips to make the appointment easier. For example:
- Locked or not - you can ask the nurse or doctor to close or lock the door, whichever makes you feel more secure.
- Bring a friend - you can ask to bring a friend, family member or carer for extra support at your cervical screening.
- Change position - you can ask your nurse if you can switch positions to something more comfortable. This may not be possible, as it depends what positions they are trained in, but you can always ask.
- Ask for a smaller speculum - speculums come in different sizes, you can ask for a smaller speculum which may be more comfortable for you.
- Guide it in yourself - you can ask if you can help guide the speculum in yourself, if this would help you feel more comfortable and in control.
- More lube - whether you want to bring your own or ask your nurse to use more – water-based lube can help make the screening more comfortable.
- Listen to music or a podcast - some people make playlists or listen to their favourite audiobook or podcasts to help them relax.
- Ask to stop or for a break - you can always say stop whenever you need to, for whatever reason you need to.
- Reading a book - you can read a book if it may help you feel more relaxed, give it a go!
Find more here: The Eve Appeal Cervical Cancer Prevention Week
You can also find translated information about cervical screening in various languages here: Translated Cancer Information
The HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that's spread through skin contact (usually when having sex). Most types of HPV are harmless. But some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including cervical cancer. Find out more here: NHS HPV Vaccine.
If you've had the HPV vaccine, it does not protect you from all types of HPV, so you're still at risk of cervical cancer. You should continue to attend for cervical screening when you receive your invite.
Extra information
Healthwatch England reported on people’s experiences of cervical screening, so you can read their recommendations for healthcare leaders here: Cervical screening my way.
In December 2024, Healthwatch in Sussex also sought experiences of bowel, breast and cervical cancer screening from people across Sussex. 171 people from across Sussex shared their views with us which you can read about here.