Today, I received a letter from my GP inviting me to make an appointment for a cervical test or what you called "smear test". It's been nearly three years since I had my last test which came out negative or no changes at that time.

Some women don't know the importance of regular cervical screening so I'm writing this article for you to understand why it is important to get screened.

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening aims to prevent cervical cancer, detect and remove abnormal tissue or cells in the cervix before it develops into cervical cancer. It is also often called a smear test. This test checks the cells from your cervix. It will detect changes to the cell in your cervix so that it can be monitored or treated. If these changes are not treated, it can sometimes develop into cervical cancer.

How common is cervical cancer?

Here in Northern Ireland, each year around 83 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. And each year, around 21 women die from cervical cancer. 8-10 cases of cervical cancer can be prevented if detected and treated early.

What causes changes to your cervical cells?

Most abnormal cell changes are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are different types of HPV and most types are harmless but the types that cause abnormal cervical cell changes are called high-risk HPV.

HPV is a very common infection and most women get it at some stage in their life. The virus usually clears up naturally by our body's immune system without the need for treatment and most women will never know they had it. But in some cases where the virus persists, it can damage the cervix' cells and might need treatment.

How do we get HPV?

This virus spread easily by skin to skin contact during sex. Using a condom is not guaranteed that you're protected from HPV infection. It is possible to have the infection for many years without knowing it as there are no symptoms.

Can the test detect all changes?

No. It's only the most changes to your cervix but the test can't find them all. And changes might also happen between tests that's why it's important to get your test done when you're invited for screening.

Who is offered screening?

All women aged 25-64 are offered screening here in Northern Ireland. We got invited every three years if aged 25-49 and every five years for 50-64.

Cervical screening is very important for anyone in this age group who:

• has a cervix

• and have ever been sexually active with a man or a woman

Do you need to go for screening if..

• You have never had sex?

YES. There's less risk of you having HPV however, the virus can be passed on through sexual activity other than full intercourse.

• You haven't had sex for a long time?

YES. It can take many years for changes in your cervix to develop. So you need to get screened regularly if you've ever been sexually active.

• You're a lesbian/bisexual?

YES. Just like other transmitted infection, human papillomavirus spreads by intimate skin to skin contact. If you are a lesbian or bisexual woman, you still can get infected with the virus and develop cervical cancer.

• You had the HPV vaccine?

YES. The vaccine is now offered to pupils 12-13 years (Year 9), which only protects against two of the " high risk" those of HPV. If you picked up a virus before the vaccine, it doesn't protect you against the infection.

• You are pregnant?

YES. You can still take the test even when you're pregnant.

• You past menopause?

YES. Like I've told you before, women can get it at some time in her life. Women in all age group are prone and can get cervical cancer.

Where do I go for screening?

Here in Northern Ireland, screening can be done by the nurse or doctor at our GP clinic. In the Philippines, you can go ask your Ob-gyne.

What will happen at the appointment?

Wear a loose skirt or dress as you will be asked to undress from the waist down. Then they will ask you to lie on your back with your legs up and your knees apart. They will cover your lower body with a sheet.

They will use an instrument called a speculum. It will be inserted into your vagina to hold it open then a small soft brush will then use to pick up a sample of cells by wiling it over your cervix. The sample will be sent to the laboratory to be examined.

The screening only takes about 10 minutes and is not painful but some women like me find it uncomfortable. You may experience spotting afterwards but don't worry, it's normal.

Cervical screening result

According to data, 9 out of 10 women's result shows no changes in their cervix. While 1 in 10 women who shows changes to cells usually get treated before it turn into cancer.

The results may show:

• Normal cells– Your sample showed no changes to the cells in your cervix and also called a negative result. In three years or five years, you will be asked to come for your regular screening again.

• The result was unclear - Which may mean that there were not enough cells in the sample. Having your period or an infection may also have affected the result. You will be asked to redo the test again.

• Abnormal cells – Your sample showed some type of change to the cells. It depends on the type of change if you need a further test to find out if you need treatment.

Getting screened regularly is the best way to reduce your risk of cervical cancer. And you can also help prevent the spread of the virus by practising safer sex!

I hope I help you to understand the importance of cervical screening and for you to get checked regularly. If you have any questions or had screening before, will you share your experience in a comment below?

Thank you for reading.