The bigger picture

Cervical screening is an effective way of reducing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer: in the UK, it is believed to save around 5,000 lives each year, and prevents some 80 per cent of abnormal results from developing into cancer. It is offered every three years to women aged 25 to 49, and every five years to 50-64 year olds. Women outside these age bands usually only undergo testing if they have symptoms or have recently had an abnormal result.

The vast majority of cervical cancer cases result from infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) – though it is important to note that only a minority of HPV infections lead to cancer. Other risk factors include smoking, having a compromised immune system, plus anything that increases the risk of exposure to HPV, such as being sexually active and/or giving birth at a young age, having a high number of sexual partners, giving birth to many children and long term use of the contraceptive pill.

If the smear test reveals mild abnormalities – known as dyskaryosis – the sample is tested for HPV. If this isn’t found, the women’s risk of developing cervical cancer before the next routine screening test is considered very low and no action is taken. If HPV is found, or if the dyskaryosis is moderate or severe, the woman is asked to return for a more in-depth examination of the cervix called a colposcopy.