![Abstract orange pattern](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/12/homebackgroundcervix.jpg)
Cervical Screening
Why is Cervical Screening Important?
This page explains what Cervical Screening is and why it is important.
What is Cervical Screening?
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/cscervix.jpg)
Cervical Screening
The cervical screening test (smear test) is designed to check your cervix (neck of the womb) for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/04/cs_hpv.jpg)
HPV
HPV causes 99% of all cervical cancers. If HPV is found in your sample, it will be checked for cell changes. Cervical screening can stop cervical cancer before it starts.
Who Should Be Screened?
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/csagerange.jpg)
Aged 25-64 Years Old
Anyone in Scotland aged 25-64 years old with a cervix are offered cervical screening.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/cs5years.jpg)
Every 5 Years
Cervical screening is offered every 5 years. You may be recalled more often depending on your test results: