LET'S TALK CERVICAL SCREENING

Going for your cervical screening isn’t always easy, and everyone’s experience is different. So many changes in life, from big milestones to how we feel day-to-day, can have an impact. 

During Cervical Screening Awareness Week we are supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to help educate on cervical screening, share tips and stories to help make your screening a comfortable experience.  

During Cervical Screening Awareness Week, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust are sharing stories and different experiences from women and other people with a cervix including: screening after giving birth, after menopause, after transitioning, after receiving the first invitation, and after being refused it altogether. 

Join the conversation online using the hashtag #LetsTalkScreening 

YOUR CERVICAL SCREENING TEST 

Cervical screening (also known as a smear test) is a free health test that helps prevent cervical cancer. It checks for a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and, if you have HPV, cervical cell changes.  

In the UK, you should be invited for cervical screening if you are between the ages of 25 and 64, and registered as female with a GP surgery. It is not a test for cancer. It is your choice whether to go for cervical screening. If you are registered with a GP, you will get a letter telling you it is time for your cervical screening appointment. You have to contact your GP to book an appointment. You can usually do this online or over the phone.  

Your cervical screening result will help decide when you are next invited for cervical screening.  

You may be invited: 

- every year 
- every 3 years 
- every 5 years 
- straight to colposcopy for more tests.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A CERVICAL SCREENING

Your nurse will give you a private space to undress from the waist down, usually behind a curtain. If you are wearing a dress or skirt, you can leave this on and just take off your underwear. 

Your nurse will ask you to lie on an examination bed and give you a new, clean paper sheet to cover the lower half of your body. You can lie: 

- on your back with your legs bent up, your ankles together and your knees apart  

- on your left side with your knees bent. 

Your nurse will let you know when the test is about to start. First, they gently put a new, clean speculum inside you. A speculum is usually a plastic cylinder with a round end – sometimes a metal speculum is used. The speculum is the part that some people find uncomfortable. 

Once the speculum is inside you, the nurse will gently open it so they can see your cervix.   

Then the nurse will use a small, soft brush to quickly take a sample of cells from your cervix. This may feel a bit strange, but should not be painful. 

The nurse will put your sample of cells into a small plastic container (vial) of liquid. The liquid preserves the cells so they can be sent to a lab for testing.  

And that’s it! The nurse will take the speculum out and give you a private space to dress again. They will explain how and when you should get your results. 

Find out more about cervical screening on Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s website 
 
Did you know that:

- Almost all (99.7%) of cervical cancers are caused by a really common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). 

- Cervical screening, a smear test, checks for HPV. It's not a test for cervical cancer, it helps identify those who may be at greater risk and offer treatment or monitor more closely from an early stage. 

- It saves thousands of lives a year!

SOME TOP TIPS FOR WHEN YOU ATTEND YOUR SCREENING: 

- Talk to your nurse or doctor

If it is your first cervical screening, you feel embarrassed or worried, you have had a bad experience before, or you have experienced anything that makes the test hard for you, telling the person doing the test means they can try to give you the right support. If you don’t feel comfortable saying something, try writing it down.

- Ask for the first appointment of the day

If you feel uncomfortable in waiting rooms, you may want to ask to book the first appointment of the day. This can mean it is quieter and there is less time for you to wait.

- Ask to book a longer or double appointment

Having more time before, during or after cervical screening can help people take in information about the test and process everything that happens. If this would be useful for you, you may want to check if your GP surgery can offer you a longer appointment. 

The receptionist may ask why you need a longer appointment – remember, you do not have to disclose anything.

- Ask for a nurse or doctor of a particular gender

You may feel more comfortable knowing that a female or male nurse will be doing your cervical screening. If you have a nurse or doctor you trust, you may want to check with your GP surgery if they are able to do it.

- Take someone you trust with you

During the coronavirus pandemic, GP surgeries had to limit the number of people in the surgery, to help protect against coronavirus. 

However, if it would help or you need assistance, it is now worth asking if someone can come with you. It could be a friend, family member, partner or someone else. They can be in the waiting room or examination room with you to offer support. They may also be able to speak on your behalf about any worries. 

If a trusted person isn’t able to come to the appointment, you can check if another member of staff can be with you for support. This person is sometimes called a chaperone.

- Wear a skirt or dress

If you feel comfortable wearing a skirt or dress, it may help you feel more covered. You can keep it on during the test and only take off your underwear. 

You do get a paper sheet to cover yourself. If you would like to, you can also ask if you can bring a spare shawl or blanket too.

- Ask for a smaller speculum

Speculums come in different sizes. If you find the standard size too uncomfortable, you can ask to try another size. 

- Put the speculum in yourself

You may feel more relaxed and comfortable about putting the speculum in yourself. If you have a partner with you, you may prefer them to put the speculum in. 

- Lie in a different position

Lying on your back may feel uncomfortable for lots of reasons. You can ask to lie on your left hand side with your knees bent (left lateral position).

- Use post-menopausal prescriptions

If you have gone through or are going through the menopause, let your doctor or nurse know. After menopause, the opening of the vagina and vaginal walls become less able to stretch, which can make the test more uncomfortable. You can ask your nurse to give (prescribe) you a vaginal oestrogen cream or pessary, which may help.

- Ask to be referred to colposcopy

Sometimes the nurse may not be able to see your cervix. This could be because you have a tilted cervix, cervical stenosis or something else. It does not mean there is anything to worry about. The nurse may suggest you go to a colposcopy department for cervical screening, as they have equipment like adjustable beds that can help when trying to see the cervix. 

- Visit a specialist cervical screening clinic

Some people prefer to go for cervical screening in a clinic that meets their needs. 

If you have experienced sexual violence, the charity My Body Back has clinics in London and Glasgow. The London clinic is for people living anywhere in the UK, and the Glasgow clinic is for people living in Scotland. My Body Back clinics are now open, so please contact them to book your appointment.

Cervical screening isn't easy for everyone. If you are worried about the test or know you find it hard, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust are able to support you with questions or by talking things through on their Helpline 0808 802 8000 or you can visit their website https://www.jostrust.org.uk/