Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

Five minutes. One test. A lifetime of protection.

Cervical screening saves lives - Don’t put it off.

Previously known as a smear test, cervical screening saves an estimated 5,000 lives each year in the UK and is a quick, routine health check for women and people with a cervix aged 25–64. The procedure usually takes around five minutes and helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for high-risk HPV and any abnormal cell changes on the cervix, and is offered every three to five years on the NHS but you can get them done when required privately.

The procedure is straight forward and is generally painless, although some women may find it slightly uncomfortable. A soft brush is used to collect a small sample of cells, which are then sent for analysis. This allows any changes to be identified early and either monitored or treated, helping to prevent cervical cancer from developing.

This week marks Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, taking place from 19–25 January 2026, where the campaign aims to raise awareness of the lives affected by cervical cancer, encourage solutions, and remember those who have been lost.

Whether you have been diagnosed yourself or know someone who has, it can be reassuring to know that people care, and that support is available.

Campaigns like this highlight the importance of prevention and encourage people to attend cervical screening when invited. At Shropshire Health, we are committed to ensuring you feel relaxed, supported, and comfortable throughout your appointment.

Whether you wish to see a GP or a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, our team is here to support you in any way we can.

If you have concerns about cancer in general, we also offer an extensive screening test that can detect circulating tumour DNA linked to over 70 types of cancer- Trucheck.

Please get in touch with us to find out more.