Regular cancer screening helps find cancer early, often before you notice any symptoms and when treatment is most effective. We support all NHS cancer screening programmes at Kensington Partnership – including for breast, cervical and bowel cancer.
Cancer screening saves lives and early detection is key, many people feel worried or unsure about screening. Below you will find information about our different screening programmes, who’s invited and where to get help or advice if you have any concerns.
Want to know more about cancer screenings or have worries and concerns? We have a dedicated email address where our Cancer Champions will answer your queries about cancer screenings.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical screening (also known as a smear test) is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It is offered to women aged 25 to 64 every 5 years.
During cervical screening, a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix (the opening to the womb). This sample is tested for high-risk types of HPV that can cause cell changes. If no high-risk HPV is found, no further tests are needed. If it is found, the cells are checked for any changes so they can be treated early to help prevent cervical cancer
When will I have my cervical screening?
All women aged between 25 and 64 will be invited every 5 years. You’ll get your first invite a few months before you turn 25.
We will send you a text message inviting you to book your test.
If you were invited for cervical screening but missed or did not book an appointment, ring the practice – even if you were invited months ago
What if I am on my period?
Try to book for when you are not on your period, menstrual blood can interfere with the sample which might mean you need to have the test again.
If you think you are due your period when your test is due, let us know and we can reschedule
What if I’ve had my HPV vaccine?
It is still important to come for your screening.
The HPV vaccine protects against cancers caused by HPV like cervical cancer, but a small number of cervical cancers aren’t caused by HPV.
Other risk factors like smoking or family history can increase your chance of cervical cancer.
What if I’m not sexually active or haven’t had sex?
You should still attend your cervical screening.
‘Having sex’ means different things to different people. You can still get HPV from any form of sexual contact.
Even if you have never had any sexual contact, there is still a low risk of cervical cancer.
Bowel Cancer