“ I had never had a Cervical Smear before so I was quite nervous. Mr McIndoe was very professional and courteous. He took the time to answer all of my questions and alleviate any doubts I had. He made sure that he understood what I was asking and that I understood what he explained."
Bethany, Shenfield
CERVICAL SMEAR TEST
A cervical smear test is a simple test that is used to detect changes in the skin of the cervix which, if left, might become a cancer. The smear test is used as a screening test of women who have no symptom, to identify those women who might be at risk of developing cervical cancer in the future.
What does the test involve?
A cervical smear test collects many thousands of cells that have fallen off the skin of the cervix (exfoliated). These cells are collected with a brush and transferred to the laboratory in liquid. They are spread on a microscope slide and stained using a special stain developed by the originator of the test, George Papanicolaou (hence the alternative name by which a smear test is sometimes known - a Pap test). These cells are then examined under a microscope by a specially trained pathologist.
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What age should I have my first smear test?
Smear tests should be taken from 20 years of age or alternatively two years after the beginning of sexual activity. Many countries have moved the age of first smear to 25 years of age but we believe this is a mistake. The peak incidence of cancer of the cervix is between 25 and 30 years of age and the smear test is used to pick up precancerous abnormalities that occur before cancer develops. Since the NHS has moved the beginning of screening from 20 year of age, the numbers of cancers in these young women has increased by 50%.
Did you know?
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An abnormal smear test suggests at most only very minor changes in the skin of the cervix that can be easily treated.
How much does it cost?
To include:
Initial consultation with Mr McIndoe
£260
Cervical smear test
£83
Follow up consultation (if necessary) with Mr McIndoe
£220