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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
This information is for women who have had, or are about to have, a cervical screening test|.
You might like to watch our video about cervical screening tests|.
It aims to help you understand how cervical screening is done, treatment you may need and what happens if you have an abnormal test result.|
We hope that it answers some of the questions you may have.
From their 20s onwards, women are invited for a cervical screening test as part of the UK’s NHS Cervical Screening Programme|.
The test is repeated every 3–5 years, depending on your age and where you live in the UK. Each country within the UK has its own screening programme.
The NHS cervical screening programmes aim to find changes to the cervix that could develop into cancer if left untreated. We can’t advise you about the best treatment for yourself. This information can only come from your own doctor, who knows your full medical history.
We also have further information on cervical cancer|.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.