You can book a free cervical screening appointment if:
- your cervical screening is due soon
- you missed your last cervical screening when it was due
You can do this even if you have lost your reminder letter or did not get one.
Who can get free cervical screening and what it is for
Check when you next need cervical screening and how often
How to book your cervical screening appointment
To book an appointment for free cervical screening, contact a GP or clinic registered with CervicalCheck.
You do not have to be a patient of a GP or clinic to have your free cervical screening appointment there.
How to prepare for your appointment
If you have symptoms
Cervical screening is not for people with symptoms of cervical cancer.
Urgent advice: Contact your GP immediately if:
- you have concerns or symptoms of cervical cancer
Even if you have had a recent normal cervical screening result, never ignore symptoms.
If your cervical screening is not due
If your cervical screening is not due but you want to have one, you can pay for a private screening test. Talk to your GP about this.
Having cervical screening privately
If you have a smear test, HPV screening test or colposcopy as a private patient, it is not part of the national cervical screening programme - CervicalCheck.
This means:
- it will not be free
- the lab that tests your private sample will not have access to your cervical screening history
- the lab will not send the results of your private sample to CervicalCheck
- any recommended follow-up colposcopy will not be free
Pregnancy and delaying cervical screening
You may have to delay going for cervical screening if you:
- are pregnant now
- gave birth in the last 3 months
- have recently had a miscarriage or abortion
Things to ask when booking
The best time to go for cervical screening is 14 days after the start of your last period. Ask for a cervical screening appointment around this time.
If you have any worries about going for cervical screening tell the GP surgery or clinic.
In many GP surgeries and clinics, when you book your appointment you can ask for:
- a female to do your cervical screening
- someone else to be in the room with you
- a longer appointment if you think you might need more time
If you find cervical screening uncomfortable or painful
Tell the GP surgery or clinic if you have access needs
If you use a wheelchair or have any access needs it is best to contact the GP surgery or clinic. This is to make sure they can help you with any needs you have.