Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is a method of helping to prevent cancer by detecting and treating any abnormalities found. It is a quick and painless procedure which can be done at the practice by one of our trained nurses. 

Early detection and treatment of abnormal cells can prevent 75% of cancers developing. Whilst screening is not 100% accurate it offers a good chance at finding any abnormalities, and saving lives. 

Some people are are concerned that they will feel embarrassed, we put our patients at ease and use a light cover to give some privavcy.

Our nurses regularly perform cervical smears and are best placed to put you at ease. Please contact them through AccuRx and talk through any concerns you have. 

NHS cervical cancer screening website  explains in a short video how the test is done.

All people with a cervix, who are aged 25 to 64 should have the test done.  For those aged 25 to 50y it is every 3 years, whilst for those aged 50 to 64y it is every 5 years.

Patients who live in the UK and have been registered with a GP for over a year will automatically be invited for a test when it is due.

The invitations are sent automatically by the Health Authority and are sent to the address we have on record for you.  Make sure you keep your contact details up to date. 

Sometimes if you change address just as the invitations are sent out, you may find that the invitation letter was sent to your previous address.  If you think this might be you, please contact us.

Unfortunately we are not able to do the test unless you have been sent an invitation letter.

If you think you might have missed your invitation, please contact us as we can arrange for another invitation to be sent out to you. 

Patients turning 25y need to wait for their letter from the Health Authority before contacting us, and to book an appointment which will be after their 25th birthday.

It takes time for patients who have just moved to the UK to be registered for this screening programme.  All patients are automatically included.  You do not need to take any action, simply wait for your invitation letter to arrive and then contact us to arrange the appointment.  

Unfortunately we have noticed that some patients have to wait several months before their invitation letters are sent to them by the Health Authority.  

Sadly we are not able to do the test unless you have been sent an invitation letter.

Had tests done abroad?

The NHS cervical screening programme does not accept tests done abroad.  This is because the NHS cannot be sure of the quality of the screening tests done elsewhere.  We recommend that all eligible patients have an NHS test done. 

You will be invited by the Health Authority to make an appointment for a smear test.  The NHS cannot do the test any earlier, even if your doctor abroad has advised you to have a sooner test.

If you have been having tests done abroad and want to continue with the screening programme abroad, and not to take part in the NHS cervical screening programme which we do not recommended, please let us know at cpicb.huntingdonroadsurgery@nhs.net This email is for non urgent requests.

All eligible patients either need to have a test done under the NHS or to confirm in writing that they do not wish to take part.