Cervical screening (a smear test) is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It’s offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. Over 3000 women in the UK each year are diagnosed with cancer of the cervix. Women between 25 and 64 years should have regular smears. You will receive an invitation from the practice to book your appointment with the nurse. Women aged 25 to 49 have a smear every 3 years and women aged 50 to 64 have a smear every 5 years. This will always be performed by a female member of staff.

• Cervical screening – NHS (www.nhs.uk)