When to Have Cervical Screening Tests

Emma Howard: Hello! We're answering questions on sexual health. I am joined by Dr. Dr. Catherine Hood. Hello Catherine. Dr. Catherine Hood: Hello! Emma Howard: We've got a question here from a 25 year old woman, who says that she never had sex and wants to know about cervical screening. Should she have a test if she is not sexually active? Dr. Catherine Hood: Okay! The cervical screening program was brought about to try and cut down the number of women who were dying of cervical cancer and it's been an extremely successful program. Over the years we've discovered a little bit more about cervical cancer and it was -- in years gone by we used to start cervical screening as soon as people started having sex, so it could be even, you know 17-18. We now know that a lot of the changes that we look for with the cervical screening program in young people, they very rarely go on to produce cancer. So we were fighting all of the things that really would not, really of great importance. So now most women are advised to start having their smear test at the age of 25. Now she is just 25. We also know now that 75% of cervical cancers are usually linked to a sexually transmitted infection called HPV or Human Papillomavirus, and there are two or three particular times of HPV that are responsible. So if you haven't had sex, the chances of you having picked up those infections are very small indeed. Emma Howard: So she could leave it for a few more years? Dr. Catherine Hood: She could leave it for few more years yeah. I mean the thing to remember was the cervical screening program isn't perfect, and there are still 25% of cervical cancer that are mocked. Emma Howard: They got missed. Dr. Dr. Catherine Hood: Yeah, they are going to get missed, or that are not due to Human Papillomavirus. So it's worth having the smear test at some point, but I think I wouldn't worry too much at 25. Emma Howard: It is not wholly connected with your sexual activity? Dr. Dr. Catherine Hood: No, there are some cancers that are completely independent I think from sexual activity. So while the majority of them definitely are, there are some answers worth having a test at some point but I wouldn't rush if you've never started having sex. Emma Howard: No, don't leave it beyond 30? Dr. Catherine Hood: No I would have one before 30. Emma Howard: Thank you, Catherine for that. Well, if you've a similar problem we hope we might have given you some help, but remember it's always best to go and see your own doctor for medical advice. Thanks for watching. We'll be back with more health questions and answers.