Cervical screening saves lives yet many women from Black, South Asian and East Asian communities in the UK are still less likely to attend. This isn’t about blame. It’s about trust, access to clear information, and having conversations that feel human, not medical or judgemental.
If you’ve ever delayed your smear test, felt unsure about booking it, or weren’t certain whether it applied to you and you are not alone. This guide explains what cervical screening is, how it has changed, your rights, signs to watch out for, and how we can protect the next generation of girls.
What Is Cervical Screening and Why Is It Important?
Cervical screening (often called a smear test) checks the health of your cervix — the opening to the womb. The test looks for high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus), a very common virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. In the UK, screening is offered through the NHS Cervical Screening Programme and is completely free.
You are usually invited:
- Every 3 years if you’re aged 25–49
- Every 5 years if you’re aged 50–64
Most people with early cervical changes feel completely well. Cervical screening works because it finds problems before symptoms appear (source).
How Cervical Screening Has Changed and Why
If you had a smear test many years ago, you may remember it being described as “checking for abnormal cells”. Today, the process is different and the change is based on strong scientific evidence.
Cervical screening in England now uses HPV primary screening. This means the sample is first tested for high-risk HPV. Only if HPV is found is the sample then checked for cell changes.
Why was this change made?
Because research shows:
- HPV causes almost all cervical cancers
- Testing for HPV first is more accurate
- If HPV is not found, the risk of cervical cancer is very low
- It reduces unnecessary follow-up tests and anxiety
This change has made cervical screening more effective, more precise, and more protective than before (source).
Who Is Entitled to Cervical Screening in the UK?
You are entitled to cervical screening if:
- You are aged 25–64
- You have a cervix
- You are registered with a GP
It does not matter if you:
- Are married or unmarried
- Are not currently sexually active
- Come from any cultural or religious background
You also have the right to:
- Ask for a female nurse or doctor
- Request an interpreter
- Ask questions before the test
- Bring a chaperone
- Stop the test at any time if you feel uncomfortable
If you missed your invitation letter or ignored it, you can still contact your GP surgery and book directly (source).
Why Cervical Screening Uptake Is Lower in Ethnic Minority Communities
Research shows that women from Black, South Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK are less likely to attend cervical screening than White British women (source). Studies also show that reminder messages alone do not improve attendance, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive support and trusted conversations (source).
Many women share similar concerns:
- Embarrassment or modesty
- Fear of pain or discomfort
- Fear of receiving bad news
- Cultural silence around intimate health
- Language barriers or lack of clear information
These concerns are understandable (source). But cervical cancer does not discriminate.
Signs and Symptoms: When to See a Doctor
Cervical screening is for prevention, but don’t wait for your next test if you notice:
- Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
- Pain during sex
- Unusual vaginal discharge (watery, bloody, or strong-smelling)
- Persistent pelvic or lower back pain
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should always be checked by a GP (source).
Protecting Young Girls: The HPV Vaccine
Many of us help care for younger girls — daughters, nieces, cousins, younger sisters. The HPV vaccine is one of the most powerful ways to protect them.
In the UK, the HPV vaccine is offered at school (usually ages 12–13). It protects against the types of HPV most likely to cause cervical cancer (source).
The vaccine works best when given before exposure to HPV, which is why it’s offered at a young age. It does not encourage sexual activity — it is about prevention and long-term health (source).
Even if someone is vaccinated, they will still be invited for cervical screening later in life.
Breaking the Silence in Our Communities
Many of us were raised not to talk openly about women’s health. But silence puts lives at risk.
Talking about cervical screening with friends, sisters, mothers, daughters, and community members helps normalise care and protects future generations. Looking after your health is not selfish — it’s an act of strength.
Call to Action: Take One Small Step Today
If you are overdue for cervical screening, consider this your reminder.
If you have already attended, encourage another woman.
If you care for a young girl, check whether she has had the HPV vaccine.
Book your cervical screening appointment today or speak to your GP. Early detection saves lives.
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