The cervix is the neck of the womb, and is a fairly common site for cancer in women. In most women, however, there is a stage prior to developing invasive cancer (where the cancer cells start penetrating deeper into the body), which can be successfully treated. This is called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN for short), which has 3 gradings for severity.

Having regular cervical smears allows us to detect abnormal cells in the cervix early on at the stage of CIN or even earlier. At this stage the disease can be completely treated, which may involve a procedure called colposcopy.

If you are female, aged 18-55 and are or have been sexually active, the national screening programme recommends that you have a cervical smear every 3 years in order to catch abnormalities early on. We wholly endorse this programme, and suggest that you see one of the nurses to have a smear if the last one was over 3 years ago.

From time to time we may send you reminders to jog your memory. If your last smear was abnormal or inadequate you will be called up ealier.

Please ring the reception on 020 8846 6655 for an appointment.