Cervical Screening & HPV

Our practice participates in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in line with national guidance from the NHS and the UK National Screening Committee.

Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by identifying high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and detecting early cell changes before cancer develops.

We are committed to providing:

Safe and evidence-based screening
Trauma-informed and person-centred care
Clear follow-up pathways
Timely referral where required
Inclusive access for all eligible patients

Eligibility & Invitation

In England, patients are routinely invited for screening:

Every 3 years (aged 25–49)
Every 5 years (aged 50–64)

We also offer screening:

If you are overdue
If you have missed a previous appointment
If advised by a clinician following earlier results

Patients with symptoms such as abnormal bleeding should not wait for routine screening and should contact us urgently.

What to Expect at Your Cervical Screening Appointment

Appointments are usually 10–15 minutes.

During the procedure:

A trained clinician will explain the process and obtain consent.
A speculum is gently inserted to visualise the cervix.
A small soft brush is used to collect a cervical sample.
The sample is sent to the laboratory for HPV testing.

We aim to ensure dignity, privacy and comfort at all times.

You may:

Request a female clinician
Bring a chaperone or support person
Request a chaperone provided by the practice
Stop the procedure at any time

Please inform us when booking if you require reasonable adjustments (e.g. longer appointment, interpreter, learning disability support, history of trauma).

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a common virus transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Most HPV infections clear naturally without treatment.

Cervical screening now tests for high-risk HPV first. If high-risk HPV is not detected, the risk of cervical cancer is very low.

HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer and is offered routinely through the national immunisation programme.

Further information:

NHS – HPV overview
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-hpv/
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust
https://www.jostrust.org.uk/

Understanding Your Results

Your sample is first tested for high-risk HPV.

HPV Not Detected

You will return to routine recall at the appropriate interval.

HPV Detected – No Abnormal Cells

You will usually be invited for repeat screening in 12 months to check whether the virus has cleared.

HPV Detected – Abnormal Cells Identified

You will be referred to secondary care for further assessment.

We have robust systems in place to:

Review and code all incoming results
Contact patients with follow-up instructions
Arrange appropriate referral
Safety-net non-attenders

If you have not received your results within 4 weeks, please contact the practice.

Colposcopy (Follow-Up After Abnormal Results)

Colposcopy is a specialist examination of the cervix performed in hospital or a community gynaecology clinic.

It:

Allows detailed examination using magnification
May involve biopsy
May include treatment at the same visit if required

Most abnormal screening results do not indicate cancer. They show early cell changes that can be treated to prevent cancer developing.

Further information:

NHS – Colposcopy
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colposcopy/

Symptoms That Require Urgent Medical Assessment

Cervical screening is for people without symptoms.

If you experience:

Bleeding between periods
Bleeding after sex
Bleeding after menopause
Persistent unusual discharge
Ongoing pelvic pain

Please book an urgent appointment. These symptoms will be assessed promptly under our clinical triage system.

Booking Your Appointment

You can book your cervical screening by:

Calling your GP Practice
Using the online consultation system (if available)
Responding to your NHS invitation letter

If you have previously declined screening but would like to discuss this further, please contact us — we are happy to provide information to support informed choice.