Understanding Cervical Screening

Cervical screening — sometimes called a smear test — checks the health of your cervix. It is designed to help prevent cervical cancer by identifying high-risk HPV infection and early cell changes before they develop into cancer.

The test is quick and simple and is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

Cervical screening does not test for cancer itself, but it can detect changes early so they can be monitored or treated if needed.