When Youll Be Invited

Who should have cervical screening

All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.

How often you are invited depends on your age.

You can book an appointment as soon as you get a letter.

If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter to book an appointment.

Find out how to book a cervical screening appointment

Screening in other parts of the UK

When you're invited for cervical screening is different in some other parts of the UK.

• Cervical screening in Scotland (NHS Inform)
• Cervical screening in Wales (Public Health Wales)
• Cervical screening in Northern Ireland (nidirect)

If you're under 25

You will not be invited for cervical screening until you're 25 because:

• cervical cancer is very rare in people under 25
• it might lead to having treatment you do not need - abnormal cell changes often go back to normal in younger women

If you're 65 or older

You'll usually stop being invited for screening once you turn 65. This is because it's very unlikely that you'll get cervical cancer.

You'll only be invited again if a recent test was abnormal.

If you're 65 or older and have never been for cervical screening, or have not had cervical screening since the age of 50, you can ask your GP for a test.

If you have had a total hysterectomy

You will not need to go for cervical screening if you've had a total hysterectomy to remove all of your womb and cervix.

You should not receive any more screening invitation letters.

See a GP if:

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.