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Smear tests (cervical screening) for women in Jersey
– Reported, January 25, 2012
Smear tests detect cell changes in the cervix that are abnormal. If ignored, these cells may become cancerous. Cervical cancer is treatable if its found early, so its really important to have regular tests.
Why do I need to have cervical screening?
By having cervical screening you are reducing your risk of developing cervical cancer. Cervical screening is an important way of preventing cervical cancer it is very effective in finding subtle abnormal changes in the cervix, and before cancer actually develops. Cancer can then be prevented with simple, effective treatment.
How common is cervical cancer?
In the UK, there are about 2,800 cases of cervical cancer per year and 1,100 deaths.
In Jersey 1 – 2 women die every year of cervical cancer. Early detection and treatment can prevent most cases.
How do women develop cervical cancer?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can infect the cervix (the neck of the womb). There are several forms of this virus, some of which are associated with cervical cancer. About 99% of all cervical cancer is caused by HPV.
The virus is very common and is transmitted through genital contact (not necessarily through sexual intercourse). Most women will be infected with HPV during their lifetime. HPV in men / boys usually causes them no harmful effects.
HPV vaccine (cervical cancer)
What is a cervical screening test? What are you checking for?
The cervix is the part of your body at the entrance to your uterus (womb). It is made up of cells which under certain conditions and over time can develop into cancer.
The cervical screening test allows a small sample of the cells on the surface of the cervix to be taken for close inspection under a microscope. This allows any abnormal changes in cells to be seen, which means that treatment can be offered early to prevent cancer developing.
At what age should I have my first cervical screening test?
If you live in Jersey you should make an appointment for your first screening test at age 20.
At what age should I stop having cervical screening?
You wouldnt usually need to have screening after the age of 65, provided you have been having regular screening tests and your results have been negative.
If you are 65 or older and have never had a cervical screening test and you wish to have one please contact your GP to discuss your risks of cervical cancer. A screening test will be offered unless there are good reasons why you are at very low risk of cervical cancer.
How often should I have a cervical screening test?
In Jersey, women can have their first screening test from the age of 20. Provided this is negative, a further test should be done a year later. After this, cervical screening is routinely offered every three years up to the age of 65.
Each country has different screening arrangements depending on what local health experts have recommended.
Ive had the cervical cancer vaccine (HPV). Do I still need to have a cervical screening test?
Yes, you should still have regular cervical screening.
The HPV vaccine protects you against the 2 types of HPV virus that cause most (more than 70%) of the cases of cervical cancer. Research released in August 2010 shows the vaccine can also offer protection against 3 closely related virus strains (HPV types 31, 33 and 45). This means the vaccine offers even better protection against cervical cancer than was originally anticipated and potentially can prevent 80% of all cervical cancer cases.
However, even if you have had the vaccine, you should attend cervical screening as you still have some risk of cervical cancer, although this is much reduced.
HPV vaccine (cervical cancer)
Do I need to have cervical screening if Im a virgin?
Possibly. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is very common and is transmitted through genital contact (not necessarily through sexual intercourse).You may wish to discuss your needs with your GP.
Can I have cervical screening when I am pregnant?
Ideally not. You should wait until 3 months after the baby is born.
Ive had a hysterectomy should I have cervical screening?
A hysterectomy is an operation where the uterus (womb) and sometimes also the cervix (neck of the womb) are removed.
If you still have a cervix then you should continue to have screening.
If you dont have a cervix, depending on the reasons for your hysterectomy, it is sometimes recommended to take a similar sample of cells from the top of the vagina this test is called a vaginal vault swab. Please ask your doctor for further advice.
Does it matter what time of the month a cervical screen test is done?
If you are having regular periods the best time to have your test is mid-cycle this is 10 – 14 days from your first day of bleeding (it doesnt matter whether your periods are natural or are brought on by using contraception).
If your periods are not regular you may wish to ask your GP / nurse for advice.
Will I be automatically invited for cervical screening?
No. Jersey does not have a population database to identify women who are aged 20 64.
If you are aged 20 – 64 and you have not had a test, or if it is more than 3 years since you had a cervical screening test (in Jersey or elsewhere), please make an appointment with your GP or the cervical screening clinic. After your first test you will be sent reminders for further appointments.
About your appointment
How do I book my cervical screening test appointment?
You should contact your GP practice to make an appointment.
A Cervical Screening Clinic is also available. The clinic team can provide details of the clinic times and location.
If you choose to go off-island to have your screening test or any follow-up treatment, please inform your GP so this can be recorded in your medical notes.
Will I have to pay for my smear test?
Please contact your GP surgery for information about the cost of a smear test. If you attend the Le Bas Centre for your smear test, and you are aged 23 years or over, there will be a £15.00 charge.
What should I expect during the cervical screening test?
A doctor or nurse will ask you questions about your health. This is your opportunity to ask questions about cervical screening or say if you have any worries. If you are a virgin or have never used tampons please tell the doctor / nurse.
Youll be asked to remove your underwear from the waist down and to lie on the examination couch with a towel or blanket covering your lower half until the test takes place.
Youll then be asked to position yourself on your back with your knees bent and apart (if you have back pain or mobility problems, please tell the doctor / nurse).
An instrument called a speculum is inserted into your vagina this allows the best view of the cervix and the test is taken using a fine brush that sweeps a sample of cells from the surface of the cervix.
You can then get dressed and the nurse / doctor will inform you when and how you will receive your results.
Does having a cervical screening test hurt?
It may feel a little uncomfortable, but should not be painful and the whole procedure should last less than 5 minutes.
Will I get an appointment reminder?
We recommend you write down the details of your cervical screening appointment and keep it somewhere safe.
If you have booked a smear test at Le Bas Centre and the administration team have your mobile number, you will receive a text message a few days before your appointment to remind you of the date to attend.
I have difficulty walking. Is transport provided?
You may be considered for patient transport if you are medically unfit to travel without help and have no alternative way of travelling to / from Le Bas Centre. It is important to contact the cervical screening service at least a week before your appointment so arrangements can be made. Please telephone 443781.
Is there a language interpreter available?
A language interpreter can be provided if you are unable to understand or speak English and do not have someone to bring who can help you. We have interpreters for Portuguese, Polish, French and other commonly spoken languages in Jersey. We are also able to provide interpreters for languages less often spoken in Jersey via a specialist interpreter telephone service. There is no charge for interpreter services but it is important to contact the cervical screening service at least a week before your appointment so arrangements can be made. Please telephone 443781.
Results
How will I get my cervical screening test results?
Within 2 – 4 weeks the doctor or nurse who did your cervical screening test will receive a laboratory report of your cervical screening test result. He or she will assess what this means for your health care needs.
You will receive a letter shortly afterwards with your result and advice on what you should do next.
The table below shows the main types of result you will receive.
Type of result What it means
Negative (normal) result Most results are normal. The cervix cells look normal and there is no sign of pre-cancer changes. This means that there is very little risk of developing cancer at this time. A reminder will be sent to you when your next screening test is due.
Negative (normal) with infection result This means the cervix looks normal and there is no sign of pre-cancer changes, but an infection was found that requires treatment. Your letter will advise you where to obtain treatment eg community pharmacist, the genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic or GP. Your normal result means that there is very little risk of developing cancer at this time. A reminder will be sent to you when your next screening test is due.
Borderline or abnormal result If your result is borderline or abnormal this means that abnormal cells have been seen and a more detailed examination called colposcopy is urgently needed to find out the exact problem. It is important that you attend your hospital appointment for this test and any treatment or check ups in the future.
Inadequate result This result means the screening test sample did not include enough of the right sort of cells for analysis and another screening test is needed. It is important you attend for this repeat test. If you have 3 consecutive inadequate test results a more detailed examination called colposcopy will be arranged. Inadequate results have become much less common since we introduced a new system of cervical screening called Liquid Based Cytology.
Unusual symptoms between cervical screening tests
Cervical screening, like other medical tests, is not perfect and does not find every abnormality of the cervix.
If you have unusual symptoms like discharge or irregular bleeding, please consult your GP – do not wait for your next test.
How can I reduce my risk of cervical cancer?
You can reduce your risk of cervical cancer by:
having regular cervical screening tests (smear tests)
stopping smoking (smokers are at increased risk of cervical cancer, along with many other types of cancer)
visiting your GP if you have any concerns or symptoms such as irregular bleeding, spotting or discharge
having human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, if appropriate. The effectiveness of HPV vaccination is greatest when the cervix has not been exposed to the risk of HPV infection through any sexual / genital contact, this is the rationale for public health programmes offering the vaccination to girls aged 12-13
reducing the number of sexual partners you have, and always using a condom to protect you from infections including HPV and also from pregnancy
Stop smoking with the Help2Quit service
What else can I do?
There are an estimated 4,000 women who are eligible for screening in Jersey. You can help by making sure that your female friends and family are attending cervical screening.
Change in circumstances
Please inform your GP or the Cervical Screening Clinic of any new personal details, eg if you:
change your name
move house
plan to leave Jersey for an extended period
plan to leave Jersey permanently
This ensures that future screening invitations and result letters are sent to the correct address which protects your confidentiality. If you wish to leave the screening programme (and to no longer receive invitations) at any time, please speak with your GP to discuss and record your decision.
Credits and More Information at:http://www.gov.je/Health/WomenHealth/Pages/SmearTests.aspx