All women aged 20 to 60 across Scotland are invited to have a cervical screening test every three years. In August 2010 a new set of leaflets was introduced into the national screening programme in Scotland. The leaflets explain what's involved, address reasons why women may not be coming forward and answer commonly asked questions.
The Cervical Screening Test: Put it on your list provides further information on the screening programme for all those eligible as well as answering frequently asked questions about the test and cervical cancer.
The Cervical Screening Test: Your first test provides information on the screening programme for those being invited for the first time.
The Cervical Screening Test: Information for Lesbian and Bisexual Women has been developed to address specific questions considered by lesbian and bisexual women.
The Cervical Screening Test: Your results explained provides information for women when a cervical smear test shows a non-routine result. It explains how non-routine smears are dealt with and contains tips and advice to reassure women.
The Cervical Screening Test - Information for women after treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) at a colposcopy clinic. This leaflet provides information on screening tests after treatment for CIN.
Leaflets to support women with learning difficulties
Keep yourself Healthy: Do I need a Smear Test? and
Keep yourself healthy: A guide to having a smear test. are available to support people with learning disabilities and their carers.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged 12 to 13 years helps protect against cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against the two types of HPV that can cause 70% of cervical cancer cases. As it does not protect against all other types, regular cervical screening is important. This combination of immunisation and cervical screening offers the best possible protection against cervical cancer. The Immunisation Scotland website provides answers to questions about the HPV Immunisation Programme.
Further information is available at:
http://www.healthscotland.com/topics/health-topics/screening/cervical.aspx