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Cervical Smear Test - Picture Summary

This page gives a brief summary of the cervical smear test. A page giving more detailed information is also available.

Some key points

The smear test aims to prevent cancer, not to detect cancer.
Some cells are scraped off the cervix and 'smeared' on a glass slide. These are looked at under a microscope.
Most smear tests are normal.
About 1 in 10 tests show abnormal cells. These are rarely cancer.
Minor abnormal changes in the cells need checking by a repeat smear in a few months.
More serious abnormal changes in the cells can be treated before they turn to cancer.
Every woman aged 25-64 is advised to have a smear at least every 3-5 years. (Women aged 25-49 are usually invited three yearly and women aged 50-64 five yearly.)

©EMIS and PIP 2004 Updated: March 2004 CHIQ Accredited

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