About cervical screening - Reasons to attend cervical screening

Taking part in screening is your choice. It is important that you understand the benefits and risks of screening to help you decide if taking part is right for you.

What are the benefits of cervical screening?

• Cervical screening saves around 5,000 lives every year in the UK.
• Regular cervical screening can prevent cervical cancer from developing.
• Cervical screening can find changes to your cells, even if you feel well.

What are the risks of cervical screening?

• Cervical screening does not prevent all cervical cancers.
• Cervical screening can be embarrassing, feel a bit uncomfortable and may make you worried.
• There may be risks associated with having treatment.  If you need further investigation you will be given information about this.

How accurate is cervical screening?

Cervical screening is the best way of picking up high-risk HPV that can lead to cervical cancer,  but it is not 100% accurate.

Page last reviewed: 12th February 2026