Cervical screening, which used to be called smear test, is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It's offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. The screening letters are available in a number of different languages and a video was also created with local staff in North Cumbria above to explain the test.
Further information also available here.
You can choose if you take part in cervical screening.
This leaflet: ‘Your guide to NHS cervical screening’ information leaflet
aims to help you decide. (Cervical screening used to be called a ‘smear test’.)
The publications team at NHS England has collaborated with key stakeholders to improve the readability and accessibility of this main cervical screening invitation leaflet.
This is the leaflet enclosed within invitation letters. It is also available on GOV.UK in different languages.
The new leaflet reflects the extended cervical screening intervals, which went into effect from 1 July 2025.
The Cancer Research UK site - link button below - also features a Cancer Chat Forum feature. It's a fully moderated forum where you can talk to others affected by cancer, share experiences, and get support.
Their Cancer Chat is free to join and available 24 hours a day.