Cervical Screening.
Invitation for screening:
You will receive a letter from your local Primary Care Trust or GP asking you to
make
an appointment for your smear test. You can choose whether to have the smear
taken
at your GP or family planning clinic.
Taking a smear:
The doctor or nurse will use a spatula to “sweep”around the neck of the womb (cervix) and take samples of cells from it surface.The samples of cells are transferred onto a slide for examination under a microscope (cytology).
What happens next?
You should
receive the results of your smear test in writing within six weeks from the
date of the test.
Most women receive a normal result. These women are recalled for another routine smear test within three to five years.
If you receive an
abnormal result it means that the laboratory has identified some cell changes
which need further investigation. Not all abnormal changes need to be
referred for immediate treatment; some may disappear. Depending on the degree of
changes, you may be asked to have a further smear in six or twelve months, or
you
may be referred for coloscopy.
What is coloscopy?
Coloscopy is
performed by specially trained clinicians at an out-patient appointment.
A coloscope, which is a low powered microscope, is used to examine the cervix to
assess the extent and severity of any problem and to determine appropriate
treatment.
If necessary, a sample of tissue can be taken for diagnosis, or the cervix may
be
treated. Alternatively, you may be asked to have a repeat smear test.
What treatment is available?
There are two
main methods of treatment. The abnormal cells in the cervix may be destroyed
using laser ablation or cold coagulation treatments or the abnormality may
be cut away using loop diathermy or laser excision.
Hysterectomy is
not usually necessary for abnormal cells in the cervix.
Top Tips
- Wear a full skirt when going for cervical screening. You will be asked to undress from the waist down, but if you wear a skirt you will not have to remove it.
- Make sure that you are registered with a GP or you may not be automatically invited, even if you are in the right age range.
- If you would
prefer a female member of staff to take your test, or have a friend
with you, ask when you book your appointment. - Do not use a
spermicide contraceptive or lubricant jelly for 24 hours before
your test as the chemicals they contain may affect it. Some condoms also
include a spermicide which can spoil your test. - Cervical
screening is not effective during your period so make sure you get
an appointment before or after your period is due, ideally in the middle of
your cycle.
Did you know
- It is
estimated that around 4,500 lives will be saved each year in England
thanks to cervical screening. - Regular screening can prevent around 75% of cervical cancers spreading.
- Cervical
screening is not a test for cancer. It is a method of preventing cancer
by detecting and treating early abnormalities which could lead to cervical
cancer. - Cervical cancer is rare in women under 25.
- The NHS Cervical Screening Programme screens almost 4 million women in England each year.
- Due to cervical screening, cervical cancer is now an uncommon disease in this country.
Myths & Truths.
Myth - you have to go for cervical screening as soon as you are sexually active.
Truth
- Women are invited to attend for their first cervical screening from the age of
25.Cervical cancer is rare in women under 25 and screening at this age can do
more harm than good. Women are strongly encouraged to attend for screening as
soon as
they receive their first invitation at 25.
Myth - taking the contraceptive pill for a long period of time can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Truth - Long term use of the contraceptive pill (more than 10 years) can slightly increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, but the benefits of taking the pill outweigh the risks for most women. Regular cervical screening can prevent cancer developing in around 75% of cases.
Myth - you don’t have to go for cervical screening if you have never been sexually active.
Truth - If a woman has never been sexually active with a man her chance of developing cervical cancer is very low. This is not no risk, only a very low risk. In these circumstances a woman may choose to decline the invitation for screening. However the screening programme invites all women between the ages of 25 and 64 for cervical screening. If a woman is not currently sexually active but has had male partners in the past, then the continuation of screening would be recommended.
Myth - If I have passed the menopause I no longer need to attend for cervical screening
Truth - Even if you have passed the menopause you will still need to attend for screening every 5 years to check that your cervix is healthy. Regular cervical screening can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.
Myth - Cervical screening can cause a miscarriage.
Truth - Cervical screening should not cause a miscarriage. Your midwife should offer you cervical screening if you are over 25 and more than three years has passed since you last attended or if you have never been screened.
Further full information is available on http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk