Cervical screening, sometimes called a smear test, pap smear or pap test is a simple test that helps prevent cervical cancer.
It checks for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can cause changes to the cells of the cervix. If HPV is found, the same sample is checked for abnormal cell changes.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer.
It helps prevent cervical cancer by identifying HPV and, where necessary, abnormal cell changes before they can develop into cancer.
Non-urgent advice: Who is eligible for cervical screening?
Your first invitation is usually sent shortly before you turn 25. After this, you will normally be invited for screening every 5 years.
You may be invited sooner if your previous screening result means that you need additional follow-up.
If you are aged 65 or over, you will usually only be invited for screening if you are still being followed up because of a previous abnormal result, or if you have not had an adequate screening test since age 60.
Non-urgent advice: Changes to the cervical screening recall schedule
This means that people aged 25 to 64 who have a negative HPV test will generally be invited for their next routine screening in 5 years.
This change was introduced because HPV testing is more sensitive at identifying people at risk of developing cervical cancer. Evidence shows that people who test negative for high-risk HPV have a very low risk of developing cervical cancer over the following 10 years.
Will my next screening date change automatically?
No.
The change to the 5-year interval was introduced prospectively.
If your previous screening took place before 1 July 2025 and you were given a 3-year recall date, your next screening appointment will generally remain due at the date you were originally advised.
The new 5-year interval applies when an eligible person attends screening under the new pathway from 1 July 2025 onwards, subject to their previous screening history and clinical circumstances.
Why has the screening interval changed?
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by high-risk types of HPV.
The NHS now uses primary HPV testing as the first test on a cervical screening sample. This is more sensitive than the previous approach of looking directly for abnormal cells.
If HPV is not found, your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low. This means that most people with a negative HPV result can safely have their next routine screening test in 5 years rather than 3 years.
If HPV is found, you may need screening again sooner or be referred for further assessment, depending on your result and previous screening history.
When you book an appointment, ideally try to select a day that you are unlikely to be on your period. (Being on your period can affect the sample collected from the cervix.)
Non-urgent advice: What is the cervix?
A survey by Jo’s Trust found that almost half of women do not know that the cervix is the neck of the womb and 1 in 6 couldn’t name a single function of the cervix.
The cervix is found inside the vagina and it has the following roles:
It is the passageway between your womb and vagina
Your cervix opens slightly to allow menstrual blood out every time you have a period
The cervix is also responsible for keeping a baby inside your womb. It opens when giving birth through your vagina
What happens during cervical screening?
On the day of your cervical screening the nurse will explain the test. She will then ask you to go During your appointment:
- The nurse will explain the test and answer any questions you have.
- You will be asked to undress from the waist down. You can keep a skirt or dress on if you prefer.
- You will lie on the examination couch in a position that is comfortable for you.
- A speculum is gently inserted into the vagina so that the nurse can see your cervix.
- A small soft brush is used to collect a sample from your cervix.
- The sample is sent to the laboratory for testing.
The examination may feel uncomfortable or awkward, but it should not be painful. Please tell the nurse if you are uncomfortable or if you would like the examination to stop.
You can ask questions or request adjustments to make the examination more comfortable.
What does my result mean?
Your sample is first tested for high-risk HPV.
HPV not found
You will normally be invited for your next routine screening test in 5 years.
HPV found but no abnormal cell changes
Most HPV infections clear naturally without causing problems.
Some people with a recent history of HPV may remain on a 3-year recall interval before returning to the routine 5-year interval.
HPV found and abnormal cell changes
Colposcopy is a more detailed examination of the cervix. A specialist uses a microscope to examine the cervix more closely and may take a small sample of tissue if required.
Finding and treating significant abnormal cell changes can help prevent cervical cancer.
Non-urgent advice: I have symptoms – should I book a cervical screening appointment?
If you have symptoms such as:
-Unusual vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after sex or between periods
-Unusual vaginal discharge
-Persistent pelvic pain
-Pain during sex
Please make an appointment to discuss these with a clinician rather than waiting for your routine screening appointment.
Cervical screening and HPV vaccination
You should still attend cervical screening even if you have received the HPV vaccination.
The HPV vaccine protects against the HPV types that cause most HPV-related cancers, but it does not protect against every type of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.
Cervical screening for trans men and non-binary people
If you are a trans man or non-binary person with a cervix, you are eligible for cervical screening.
How you receive invitations may depend on the sex and other information recorded on your GP record.
If you have a cervix and think you are due or overdue for screening, please contact us. We can help you understand whether you are due and arrange an appointment where appropriate.
HPV self-sampling in London
HPV self-sampling is now being introduced for some people who are overdue for cervical screening.
In London, HPV self-sampling is available for eligible women and people with a cervix who are at least 6 months overdue for screening and meet the programme criteria.
There are currently two routes:
- your GP practice may offer an HPV self-sampling test
- some eligible people will be invited to use the national postal HPV self-testing programme
The national postal programme is being rolled out from autumn 2026. If you think you may be eligible for HPV self-sampling, please contact GP at Hand.
Important: HPV self-sampling has a different recall pathway from clinician-taken cervical screening. A negative HPV self-sample does not necessarily result in the same 5-year interval as a negative clinician-taken sample.
How to book your cervical screening appointment
If you have received an invitation for cervical screening, you can book an appointment with GP at Hand.
Received your cervical screening invitation?
Page last reviewed: 24 September 2026