How Often Should You Get a Smear Test?
A smear test, also known as a cervical screening test, involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix to examine for any abnormalities or signs of cervical cancer. It's a preventive measure aimed at detecting potential health issues early before they develop into more serious conditions.
At Bluecrest Wellness, we offer private cervical screening testing as part of our female cancer risk test for over 40s. Our comprehensive packages enable you to understand your risk of developing numerous cancers, including cervical, stomach, bowel and kidney, for complete peace of mind. A home cervical screening test can also be booked as an individual test.
What is a Smear Test (Cervical Cancer Screening)?
A smear test, or cervical cancer screening test, looks for changes in your cervix, which could indicate that you are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. The cervix is part of the female reproductive system found at the top of the vagina.
Although a cervical smear test analyses your risk for cancer, the test itself actually looks for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells in your cervix called ‘high risk’ types of HPV. That’s because virtually all cases of cervical cancer are linked to high risk HPV.
HPV is a virus that is passed on very easily. It often has no symptoms and can usually be fought off by your body in the same way your body fights a common cold. However, in some cases, the virus persists, and this is when abnormal high risk cervical cells develop.
If high risk HPV is found, the sample will be checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can then be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer. It’s also important that you stay vigilant for the following symptoms:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding after sex
- Bleeding in between your periods
- Bleeding after having gone through the menopause
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
What does a Smear Test Involve (Cervical Cancer Screening)?
At Bluecrest Wellness, we understand that the thought of having a smear test can be daunting. That’s why we offer convenient and non-invasive home cervical screening tests, which can be performed in the comfort of your own home.
Our test involves using a small swab provided in the collection kit to take a sample of cells from your vagina and then return it to us in the packaging provided. Our laboratory will then analyse the sample to check for the HPV strains, which put you at a high risk of developing cervical cancer.
Your results will show whether HPV has been detected.
If you have any questions about your results, you can contact us for advice and support at any time during the process.
How Often are Cervical Smears?
All women with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should have routine smear tests. How often you should have a test depends on your age and whether you have previously had any abnormal smear results.
The table below indicates how often you should have a smear depending on your age as per guidance from NHS England.
| Age | When you will be called for a Smear Test |
|---|---|
| Under 25 | Six months before you turn 25 |
| 25 to 49 | Every three years |
| 50 to 64 | Every five years |
| Over 65 | Only if a recent test was abnormal |
If you have an abnormal smear result, you may be advised to have another smear test sooner than the recommended timescales above.
At What Age do Cervical Smears Stop?
Routine smear tests usually stop when you reach 65. This is because it takes an estimated 10 to 20 years for an HPV infection to develop into abnormal cervical cells and for these to develop into cervical cancer. So, women over 64 who have been regularly screened throughout their lives are unlikely to go on to develop the disease later in life.
However, if you have had an abnormal screening result in your final three screening tests in the 15 years up to turning 65, you will continue to be invited for smear tests until you have three tests showing no abnormal cells or have a clear (negative) HPV test.
If you are over 64 and have never had a cervical screening test or haven’t had one since you turned 50, you can book an appointment at your local GP practice or book a private smear test through a provider such as Bluecrest Wellness.
If you have had a total hysterectomy, you do not need to have routine cervical screening.
Book a Private Smear Test (Cervical Cancer Test)
If you are concerned about your risk of developing cervical cancer and want to take a proactive approach to managing your health, you can book a private Cervical Screening Test through Bluecrest Wellness. We offer private cervical smear testing as part of our female cancer risk test for over 40s, with prices starting from just £279.
