Cervical screening, also known as a smear test, is an essential procedure to check for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, which could potentially lead to cervical cancer. During the test, a small sample of cells is collected from the cervix to be tested for the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can cause cervical cancer. In the UK, cervical screening is offered to women aged 25 to 64 by the NHS. Women aged 25 to 49 are invited every 3 years, and those aged 50 to 64 are invited every 5 years. Regular cervical screening helps detect early changes before they turn into cancer, making it an important tool in preventing cervical cancer. If you're due for a smear test or have concerns, talk to your healthcare provider about booking an appointment.