Having a smear test

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The smear test is a method of screening that detects pre-cancerous changes in a woman's cervix (the neck of the womb).

Why have one?

A smear test can pick up abnormal changes in cervical cells or hidden infections that can be indicative of cancer of the cervix. If these are detected early, treatment is normally successful.

Who should have them?

The policy on when to give a woman her first smear test has recently changed due to the fact that cervical cancer is so rare in women under 25.

Your GP (doctor) will send you a letter when you're 25 asking you to book an appointment for a smear test. If the smear shows nothing abnormal, the test is repeated at three-year intervals. Note that you cannot be screened during your period. The best time to have the test is roughly two weeks after the first day of your period.

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