In 2020, CervicalCheck changed the way it is carrying out and reporting tests being performed for the detection of changes in the cells of the cervix.
Up until now you will have had conventional cytology (‘smear tests’) with possible additional testing for the HPV virus. It is now known that the vast majority of abnormal cells and cervical cancers are associated with the finding of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the cancer cells.
Screening first looks to see if you have any of the high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause cervical cancer.
If HPV is found, your same test sample will be checked to see if you have any abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in your cervix.
HPV cervical screening:
- is a better way of cervical screening
- prevents more cancers
- means some people will have fewer tests
If you have had a smear test in the past, having a cervical screening test will feel the same.