Cervical Screening

Key Messages

•Women and anyone with a cervix, living in Scotland, aged 25- 64 are eligible for a cervical screening (smear) test every 5 years.

• The test takes around 5 minutes and it could stop cervical cancer before it starts.

• It can find changes in your cervix even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms.

• It’s the best way of finding out if you are at risk of cervical cancer.

• Even if you’ve had your HPV vaccine, the test is your best protection against cervical cancer.

• The test checks the cells from your cervix for HPV. HPV causes 99% of cervical cancers but has no symptoms.

• Going for screening every time you’re invited could help you to prevent cervical cancer.

Further Information

Want to find out more about cervical screening or book an appointment?

Phone: Your GP Practice or 0345 337 9900

Visit: www.nhsinform.scot/cervicalscreening

Training Courses

If you conduct cervical screening or support communities that are eligible for it, online training modules are available to help you understand the barriers and promote the programme. These modules include: 

  • The importance of cervical screening (including benefits and risks of cervical screening) 
  • What the cervical screening test involves. 
  • How to support eligible individuals with concerns or fears about the test. 

Access the modules here: NHS Scotland National Screening Programmes

For General Practice Nurses who are new to cervical screening or looking to update their training, TURAS training is available.

New to cervical screening education? Cervical Screening | Turas | Learn

Looking to update your cervical screening training?  Cervical screening educational programme | Turas | Learn

Resources

If you wish to order any resources (like leaflets, posters etc.) in English, you can do so for free at HPAC. 

You can register for a free account and order resources for collection at Summerfield House or delivery at any NHS premise you work within. To find out more information about this service, please visit: Health Information Resources Service

Translations, large print, BSL and easy read versions are available for download at Cervical screening (smear test) | NHS inform