About this advice

Cervical screening helps detect early changes before cervical cancer develops, making it one of the most effective forms of cancer prevention.

The test is usually quick and takes less than five minutes. A small sample of cells is collected from the cervix by a nurse or doctor, and you can request a female healthcare professional if preferred.

In England, Wales and Scotland, women aged 25 to 64 are invited for screening every 5 years. In Northern Ireland, invitations are sent every 3 years between ages 25 to 49, then every 5 years until age 64.