Cervical screening, which used to be called a smear test, is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It’s offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64.
You’ll be invited for screening every 5 years from when you’re 25 to 64 years old. You’ll get your first invitation a few months before you turn 25.
You may be invited more regularly if you have HPV.
If you’re 65 or older, you’ll only be invited if a recent test was abnormal.
You’ll get an invitation through the NHS App, by text or by letter asking you to make an appointment and telling you how to book.
You can book an appointment as soon as you get an invitation.
If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book an appointment.
Find out more
Read the guide to cervical screening on the NHS website.
