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It may remain a sensitive subject for many - but a10-minute smear test can go a long way in preventing cervical cancer.

Figures from NHS England show that attendance rates for routine cervical screening test fell during 2023-2024 - with an estimated one in three women missing their appointment. 

In England during this time, 5.12 million women aged between 25-64 were invited to attend the free screening, yet only 3.25 million tests were taken; meaning just 68.8 per cent of women were screened.

As we approach Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (19-25 January), there is a renewed plea from North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust for a better take up of the free NHS screening invitation.

The screening (commonly known as a smear test) aims to pick up changes at an early stage that could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.

While most tests are negative (around 95 per cent), the programme identifies abnormalities, with newer HPV primary screening allowing for personalised follow-ups, including one-year checks for HPV presence or five-year intervals for those with HPV and minor cell changes.

Most women automatically receive a screening appointment from the age of 25 to attend their GP surgery, but some are referred to teams Peterborough City Hospital or Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon.

The Gynaecology department holds 28 colposcopy clinics a month,  where the team can see up to 10 patients per clinic. 

Michelle Hydes Colposcopy Gynae Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist based in Peterborough said: “Many of the patients coming into the clinic have already had their screening performed but have received abnormal results so are assessed in the colposcopy clinic.

“Others may experience difficulties with their screening in the community and so are referred to our gynaecology department for their cervical screening.

“During this assessment, the patient may be discharged for repeat screening in 12 months or in three years' time depending on what we see. 

“They may require a biopsy for further investigation, or they may have treatment at their outpatient appointment - based on the screening result they have been referred to us with.

The aim is to treat any pre-cancerous cells before they develop further.”

Michelle added: “We would urge all women who receive a letter to take up their invitation for screening in the first instance. For many, screening invitations will be every three years, but new NHS England guidelines for eligible 25-49 years olds will be invited for their smear test every five years if their routine screening shows they do not have HPV (Human Papillomavirus) which causes cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer.

“We do understand that many people will feel anxious about having cervical screening, and there are things we can do to make patients feel more comfortable. Patients have the right to request a female health professional carry out the test and / or ask for a chaperone to be present.

“It only takes 10 minutes to perform a smear test, but those 10 minutes go a long way to preventing cervical cancer.”

National guidelines around cervical screening can be found here:

www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/

 

Vic Olive, Trainee Colposcopy Nurse and Michelle Hydes Colposcopy Gynae Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist.