“In 2015 I went for my first cervical screening. It was a bit uncomfortable, but the result showed everything to be clear. Things changed when I went for my second in 2018. My results letter said HPV positive with moderate cell changes. 

What’s changed?

The Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland have this week announced that the cervical screening programme have changed their test to HPV primary screening. This is really positive news and brings the screening programme in Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK. 

You might have seen stories in newspapers today about a new kind of test for detecting cervical cell changes and helping prevent cervical cancer. A new study published this week has found that a new kind of test could be more accurate at detecting cervical cell changes, and better at predicting who might develop cell changes in the future.

In December last year, our team at Pets at Home signed up to Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust’s #TimeToTest campaign: committing to raising cervical cancer awareness in our workplace and playing our part in preventing cervical cancer. 

Earlier this summer, we teamed up with Dr Nighat Arif – NHS GP and Wellbeing of Women Ambassador – to host a special Instagram Live on cervical screening. Missed out? Here’s a summary of what we talked about…

At Jo’s, we work for women – that goes without saying – but we also recognise that not everyone with a cervix identifies as a woman. This week is Non-Binary Awareness Week, and this blog looks at the role of sample-taker and other GP staff in helping trans men and/or non-binary people with a cervix to feel welcomed and encouraged throughout their screening.

Sophie Hannah, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Communications Manager, has been attending screenings for almost a decade. But after a more difficult experience than usual at her most recent screening, she’s written about what she’s planning to do differently next time.

This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week, an opportunity to highlight the importance of cervical screening. Along with the HPV vaccine, attending your routine cervical screening (smear test) is the best way to prevent cervical cancer.

Our main focus this week has been on recognising the barriers that some face when accessing cervical screening. It’s been our hope to share experiences and tips that might make attending this test a little easier.

The West of Scotland My Body Back clinic was founded in February 2018.  Based on the My Body Back London service it offers cervical screening for people who have experienced rape or sexual violence who are due or overdue a smear test. STI testing and contraception services are also available.

You might have seen a story in the news today about how often women and people with a cervix are invited for cervical screening. This blog takes you behind the headlines to clear up what it’s all about and what it means for you.