NHS Cervical Screening and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing
Women are invited for cervical screening every three years between the ages of 25 and 49, and every five years between the ages of 50 and 64. Some women are invited more often due to results from a previous cervical screening test.
Screening usually begins by testing a sample from the cervix (the neck of the womb) for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause changes in these cells. By finding and treating cell changes early, we can stop up to 3 out of 4 (75%) of cervical cancers from developing.
It is your choice whether or not to have cervical screening. To help you make a decision, please click here to read the leaflet about what cervical screening involves, and the benefits and risks. For most women, the HPV test will be the first test carried out on their screening sample. Please click here to read the leaflet about HPV testing. It is important to read the leaflets even if you have had cervical screening before.