Cervical screening is routinely offered every three years to women aged between 25 and 49 years of age and every 5 years to women aged between 50 and 64. Women on non-routine screening (where screening results have shown changes that require further investigation/follow up) will be invited up to age 70 years.
Cervical screening provides a test that involves checking cells in the cervix (neck of the womb) and a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test, where appropriate. The test is designed to pick up any changes so they can be simply and effectively monitored or treated. Without treatment the changes can sometimes develop into cervical cancer.
There are many risk factors for cervical cancer, the main risk factor is women defaulting their cervical screening appointment. There are a number of reasons why uptake of cervical screening is declining in Scotland.
Understanding who is not attending for screening, and why, is important when looking at methods to promote attendance.
SCCRS offers a single Scotland-wide database to support the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme. The system is used by a wide range of NHS staff.