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Cervical Screening (which used to be called a smear test) is a free NHS health test that is offered to women and all people with a cervix between the ages of 25 to 64. It helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for human papillomavirus (HPV) which can be passed on through sexual contact.

Currently across London, only 58% of 25 to 49-year-olds attend cervical screening, with the attendance significantly higher for 50 to 64-year-olds at 70%.

We have teamed up with GP Dr Nighat and Bake Off Star Laura Adlington in a series of videos discussing the link between sex and cervical cancer and debunking the common misconceptions about cervical screening during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2025.

Don't Miss Out, this is a life saving test, when invited then please make sure you #AttendScreening

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CERVICAL SCREENING 
MISCONCEPTIONS

  • What is cervical screening?
  • Will a man do my cervical screening or can I request a woman?
  • Can I still attend my cervical screening if I'm on my period?
  • In my religion, I don't have sex outside of marriage. Do I still need to attend my cervical screening?
  • I'm a virgin, do I still need to go for my cervical screening?
  • My last screening was really painful, so can I miss my next one? or what can I do make it less painful?
  • My screening came back positive for HPV. What does that mean? Is it an STI?
  • I don't have any symptoms, so does that mean I don't need to attend my cervical screening?
  • I’ve recently had a baby, didn't they do a screening when I gave birth or during my antenatal appointments?
  • I missed my HPV vaccination when in school, can I still get one?
  • I'm over 64, can I still receive a cervical screening?
  • I've received the HPV vaccination, so do I still need to attend a cervical screening?
  • Can cervical cancer be prevented?
  • What if someone was worried because they are body-conscious or just cervical screening in general?
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Working with The Eve Appeal

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We have teamed up with leading gynae cancers charity The Eve Appeal where you can find out more information about cervical cancer, including symptoms, risk factors and what you can do to prevent it.

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Get Involved in the Campaign

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week runs from Monday 20th January until Sunday 26th January 2025 and is featured across social media, radio and streaming services.

Get involved in the campaign by spreading the word across social media, and use our Social Media Toolkit to find assets.

Supported by London's Cancer Alliances

The Cervical Cancer Prevention Week campaign is supported by the four London Cancer Alliances who make up 20 Cancer Alliances established by NHS England to lead on the delivery of the cancer care recommendations in the NHS Long Term Plan.

Our combined mission is to achieve world class cancer care outcomes and experience for London.

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North Central London Cancer Alliance
South East London Cancer Alliance
North East London Cancer Alliance
RM Partner (NW & SW London) Cancer Alliance

© This microsite is for Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and is delivered in collaboration with London NHS Cancer Alliances. ​
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