Breast cancer, bowel cancer and cervical screening

Cervical cancer

Cervical screening, or a smear test, checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina. It is not a test for cancer but is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer developing.

If you're registered with a GP as female and aged 25 to 64, you'll receive a letter prompting you to call your GP to make a screening appointment. Everyone with a cervix should have a regular smear test. If you're a trans man who has not had his cervix removed then you should be screened too.

If you're under 50, you'll be screened every 3 years. If you're over 50, you'll be screened every 5 years.

Contact your GP surgery online or by phone if you think you are due to have cervical screening but have not been sent an invitation.

You can find out more about cervical screening on the NHS website.

Profile - Fallon's story

Had her first smear test.

I’d definitely say to others my age and in fact any age, ring your GP and get booked in for your test.

Read more

Visit the NHS website to find out more about:

• the HPV vaccine which also helps to protect against cervical cancer
• the symptoms of cervical cancer

For information and support around wider sexual and reproductive health you can contact Locala, Stockport's integrated sexual and reproductive health service. To contact them, you can:

• visit the Locala website
• call 0161 507 9492
• email choicesandcentralyouth@locala.org.uk