Cervical Screening Wales
Cervical Screening Wales
Cervical Screening Wales is responsible for the NHS cervical screening programme in Wales. Cervical screening can prevent cervical cancer from developing, or pick it up at an early stage. The cervical screening test will look for high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cell changes on the cervix. Finding cell changes can prevent cervical cancer from developing. Women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 are able to have cervical screening in Wales.
About Cervical Screening
There are about 160 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed every year in Wales.
It is the most common cancer in women under the age of 35.
Regular Screening can reduce the risk of getting cervical cancer by 70%
Screening can pick up cell changes and, if needed, these changes can be treated to prevent a cancer developing.
Screening is a test for cell changes that could lead to cancer if left untreated. Screening is not a test for cancer, but sometimes the test does pick up early cancers. Cervical cancers found early are easier to treat.
Cervical Screening Wales is responsible for the NHS cervical screening programme in Wales, including sending invitations. Cervical Screening Wales get your details from your doctor's list, so it is important that your doctor has your correct name and address.
Cervical Screening FAQs
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix (neck of the womb). Almost all cases are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a very common virus that most people will have at some time during their life.
Only certain types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Your cervical screening (smear) test will look for high-risk types of HPV. By finding cell changes early, screening can prevent cervical cancer from developing.
Changes to the Cervical Screening Wales programme from January 2022 for those aged 25-49
From January 1st 2022, Cervical Screening Wales will be changing when they invite women and people with a cervix for routine screening.
If HPV is not found in your next routine cervical screening sample, they will send your next invitation in five years, regardless of age. This is because evidence suggests that the risk of developing cervical cancer is very low.
Information Resources
- Leaflets, posters, downloads and accessible information