Women aged 25 years and over are encouraged to have regular smear tests to detect pre-cancerous changes at the neck of the womb. You will be invited to attend routinely, but if you think your smear is due and would like to make your own appointment, please ask the receptionist.  (Link to recent Department of Health policy decision on the cervical cancer campaign www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/Recentstories/DH_101427)

What is the smear test?
It is not a 'cancer test'. It is a test to pick up very early changes in the cervix which could become cancer in the future. However, 90% of smears are normal.

Results - What They Mean: -

Negative
Your smear test is normal which means you are at very low risk. However, should you experience abnormal bleeding at any time you should see your doctor without delay.

Inadequate/Unsatisfactory
Less than 1% of smears are unsuitable for testing and therefore have to be repeated.

Abnormal Smears
Only 5-7% of smears are abnormal. This means that there are changes which, if left untreated, may become cancer in the future.

However, most of these changes return to normal without any treatment being required. For this reason you are usually asked to return for a repeat smear test in 6 months. If treatment is needed, it is almost 100% effective involving a minor procedure in the local Outpatient Department.

Results
You will receive your results by post to your home address in approximately 10 weeks following your smear test.

If you would like to discuss your results further, please phone the nurse or make an appointment to see the nurse or doctor.