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Cervical Screening (Smear Tests)
Cervical screening is a method of preventing cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix (lower part of the womb). Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, but it is a test to check the health of the cervix.
Most women’s test results show that everything is normal. But for one in 20 women, the test will show some changes in the cells of the cervix. Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells will go back to normal on their own. In some cases, the abnormal cells need to be treated to prevent them from becoming a problem later.
NHS – Cervical Screening
The why, when & how-to guide to cervical screening
HPV Vaccination
Since September 2008 there has been a national programme to vaccinate girls aged 12-13 against the human papillomavirus (HPV). There is also a three-year catch-up campaign that will offer the HPV vaccine (also known as the cervical cancer jab) to 13-18-year-old girls.
The programme is delivered largely through secondary schools and consists of three injections that are given over a six-month period. In the UK, more than 1.4 million doses have been given since the vaccination programme started.
What is Human papilloma virus (HPV)?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a family of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes that line your body, such as those in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat. These membranes are called the mucosa.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV viruses, with about 40 types affecting the genital area. These are classed as high risk and low risk.
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Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. About 46,000 women get breast cancer in the UK each year. Most of them (8 out of 10) are over 50, but younger women, and in rare cases men, can also get breast cancer.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites over 2 million women for screening every year and detects over 14,000 cancers. Dr Emma Pennery of Breast Cancer Care says: “Breast X-rays, called mammograms, can detect tumours at a very early stage before you’d feel a lump. The earlier it’s treated, the higher the survival rate.”
Find out more about breast cancer screening.
Macmillan Cancer Research
The causes and symptoms of breast cancer in women and explains how it is diagnosed and treated.
NHS
Symtpoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention & screening information.
NHS Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.