Cervical Screening
- Cervical screening involves a collection sample from your cervix which is tested for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which is a common infection. If the body isn’t clear of this virus this can cause cervical cell to change if left undetected can lead to cervical cancer.
- People who would benefit from a cervical screening test are women aged between 25-74 years of age or when first sexually active.
- Cervical screening is the best way to protect yourself against cervical cancer. Most people who develop cervical cancer have either never screened or do not screen regularly as directed. By testing every 5 years is the best way to protect yourself again cervical cancer.
- As part of this Screening patients will be allocated 15 minutes with a doctor to competed screening. When required a nurse will be in attendance to observe and assist the doctor.
There are two different ways in which you can have a cervical screening.
- Collecting own sample with Kit provided from the clinic, however test must be completed while patient is in the clinic.
- Having a doctor collect sample in a private space, involving having a speculum inserted into vagina, and using a small brush to collect a sample of cervix.
Both options are equally safe and accurate ways to detect HPV along with other associated cervical diseases. The limiting factor with a self-collected sample is that the cervix is not visualised. Please consider which examine choice is right for you and discuss further with your doctor.
