The facts about smear tests

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Jade Goody's cervical cancer has shocked everyone, so we've spoken to Cancer Research UK to get the facts about smear tests and cervical cancer.

What's the purpose of a smear test?

A smear test doesn't detect cancer but it can show a change in the cells of the cervix, which can lead to cancer. Cancer Research UK say, 'Cervical screening - known as a smear test - can detect changes in the cervix before they develop into cancer. Women are invited for cervical screening every 3 to 5 years from their mid-20s to their mid-60s.'

In a recent poll on goodtoknow more than half of you said that you go for a smear test as soon as the doctor contacts you but that statistic needs to be 100%. And if you haven't been for a while, things have changed - doctors and gynaecologists now use a tiny brush to collect cells, which is far more comfortable than the spatula that they used to use.

Cancer Research UK say, 'The figures for women going for smear tests are not as good as we would like. An early diagnosis gives you the best chance of recovery, so make sure you go for a screening when you're invited.' And remember, it's free!

The facts about cervical cancer

Around 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK each year.
It is the second most common cancer in women under 35.
There are no obvious signs that you have abnormal cervical cells other than the results of a smear test.
In 2005 1,061 women died of cervical cancer.
Once detected it has one of the most successful survival rates.