Cervical screening

The cervical screening test aims to pick up changes early that could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.

The NHS cervical screening programme invites women between 25 and 64 for cervical screening. Cervical screening is also for anyone in this age range with a cervix, such as trans men and non-binary people assigned female at birth.

About cervical screening

Screening means testing people for early stages of a disease before they have any symptoms. Screening tests are not perfect and have some risks.

Cervical screening results

You usually get your cervical screening results in the post. It can take from 2 to 6 weeks. Most people have a normal screening test result.

Last reviewed: 
06 Sep 2023
Next review due: 
06 Sep 2026