NHS Highland explains everything you need to know about a smear test
The cervical screening test, commonly referred to as the smear test, is routinely offered every five years to women and anyone with a cervix in Scotland between the ages of 25 and 64. It’s a quick test to check the cervix, the neck of the womb, for the human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is a very common virus that 80 per cent of people in Scotland have at some point in their lives. It does not generally cause symptoms, and you may not know that you have it, but it causes 99 per cent of all cervical cancers.
Cervical screening is quick - the test itself takes about five minutes and is the best way to find out if you are at risk of developing cervical cancer. During the test, some cells are gently brushed from the cervix using a soft brush. The cells are then tested for HPV.
If HPV is found, the cells are looked at under a microscope to see if this has caused any changes which could lead to cancer if left untreated. Testing for HPV before looking at cells under the microscope is more accurate than just looking at cells alone.
Screening can help prevent cervical cancer before it starts and can help find changes when you feel healthy and have no symptoms.
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Yet a number of those who are invited for screening don’t make that appointment.
I appreciate that some people may feel nervous about their appointment, but your GP Practice staff are on hand to answer any questions you have and to reassure you if you are feeling anxious.
It might be helpful to know that while you do get a paper sheet to cover yourself, you can also bring a spare shawl or blanket too as it may help you feel more private.
Alternatively, if you feel comfortable wearing a skirt or dress, you can keep it on during the test then you only need to take off your underwear.
If you feel any discomfort, you just need to let your nurse or GP know. There are things they can do to make it easier such as asking you to change position slightly. If you have gone through or are going through the menopause, let your doctor or nurse know.
After menopause, the vaginal tissues become less able to stretch, which can make the test more uncomfortable, but your doctor or nurse might be able to prescribe some treatments which may help. Most importantly you are in control and can ask to stop at any time.
It's also important to know that if you didn’t take part when last invited, you don’t have to wait until your next invitation letter, you can just call your GP Practice to make an appointment to be screened.
There are usually no symptoms with changes in cervical cells and sometimes there are no symptoms with early-stage cervical cancer. But you should make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible if you have unusual discharge, or bleeding after sex, between periods or after the menopause.
There are many other conditions that can cause these symptoms that are not related to cancer. However, if you experience them, you should make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible, even if you have recently had a normal cervical screening result.
Cervical screening is very important and I would encourage all those who have been invited to make that appointment.
Further information about cervical screening is available here.
Louise Benson is a health improvement adviser at NHS Highland.
