Cervical cancer
Many deaths from cervical cancer can be prevented through timely screening; detection and treatment of precancerous lesions found during a cervical smear test can actually prevent cervical cancer, as well as find cervical cancer at an early stage when it is most curable, states the CDC.
In the UK, all women between the ages of 25 and 64 are eligible for a free cervical smear test every three to five years. Following a recent reevaluation of the interval for cervical screening by Cancer Research UK, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme will now be implementing screening at different intervals depending on age. The change is recommended to take place after a woman's next smear which will already have been scheduled.
The NHS call and recall system invites women who are registered with a GP. This also keeps track of any follow-up investigation, and, if all is well, recalls the woman for screening in three or five years time. It is therefore important that all women ensure their GP has their correct name and address details and inform them if these change.
Women who have not had a recent smear test may be offered one when they attend their GP or family planning clinic on another matter. Women should receive their first invitation for routine screening at 25.
