Going for your cervical screening isn’t always easy, and everyone’s experience is different.  So many changes in life, from big milestones to how we feel day-to-day, can have an impact.

This Cervical Screening Awareness Week, Jo’s Trust is sharing different experiences from women and other people with a cervix: screening after giving birth, after menopause, after transitioning, after receiving the first invitation, and after being refused it altogether.

Cervical screening is a free health test that helps prevent cervical cancer.  It checks for a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and, if you have HPV, cervical cell changes (abnormal cells).

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening is a free health test available on the NHS as part of the national cervical screening programme.  It helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus called high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes.  It is not a test for cancer.

It is your choice whether to go for cervical screening.  We hope this information helps you make the best decision for you and your health.

If you have symptoms, contact your GP surgery about having an examination.  Cervical screening is not for people who have symptoms.

Find out more

Find out more at Jo’s Trust for further information, tips and support on how to make attending your screening a little bit easier.
Join the conversation on social media and use the hashtag #LetsTalkScreening