Cervical Cytology

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	Clinics : Cervical Cytology

	Background

	Cervical cancer rates in 2004 (2.8 per 100,000 females) were more than 60% lower than they were in 1975 (7.5 per 100,000 females). At least some of this decline has been due to the introduction of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in 1987. One analysis of mortality trends before and after the introduction of screening in the UK concluded that screening prevented an epidemic of cervical cancer, and that the programme is likely to prevent approximately 5,000 deaths per year

	Opting out of the smear programme

	Patients are free to choose whether they have a cervical smear. Those who do not wish to be included in our programme are required to sign an informed dissent form, this is sent to the Health Authority so they can be excluded from the call-up. As a matter of course we send patients who have opted for exclusion a letter every three years inviting them to change their minds. Patients may wish to discuss this with their GP or one of our practice nurses' if they'd like more information before deciding.

Cervical Cytology at Dr O'Donnell & Partners

Cervical smear programme

All women between the ages of 25-64 are eligible for screening.

As a result of evidence published in 2003, the NHS Screening Programme now offers screening at different intervals for different age groups. Women between 25-49 should be screened three yearly and women 50-64 five yearly. Women 65 and over only need to be screened if they have not had a smear since the age of 50, or have had a previously abnormal smear.

If you have been invited for screening, or have been for screening and have any questions about the result, you should contact the person who sent you the results letter - usually one of our practice nurses'. If you are worried about a specific problem, or otherwise worried about the risks of cancer, then please do talk to your GP.

	The dawn of a new era in testing

	Dr O'Donnell & Partners uses the latest liquid based cytology techniques for maximum test reliability and to reduce patient discomfort to an absolute minimum. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) has become the method of choice and is recommended by the National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence. A brush is used rather than a spatula, which is rotated against the squamocolumnar junction, usually in the cervical canal. The end of the brush is then broken off into a container of preservative fluid and sent to the laboratory. The smear is taken by one of our GPs or a practice nurse. As a matter of course patients are always contacted with the results.

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