A woman has shared her experience of attending a cervical screening test, revealing that the entire appointment took just 10 minutes from start to finish. Jess Flaherty, a senior news reporter, described her recent smear test as quick and manageable, aiming to reassure others who may be nervous or delaying their screening.
Why Cervical Screening Matters
According to Cancer Research UK, there are approximately 3,299 new cases of cervical cancer each year in the UK, and between 2022 and 2024, there were around 880 deaths from the disease. However, the charity emphasises that 99.8% of cervical cancer cases are preventable through screening and vaccination.
Jess, 35, attended her appointment at a GP practice on a sunny day. She admitted feeling nervous beforehand but found the process far quicker than expected. After signing in and walking to the first-floor waiting room, she was called in by senior nurse practitioner Tracy.
The Appointment Process
Tracy explained the entire screening procedure, including what it checks for, how cells are processed, and the expected wait time for results—typically around two weeks. She also discussed what an abnormal result might mean, reassuring Jess that cell changes can be caused by stress or other factors and do not necessarily indicate cancer.
Behind the blue curtain, Jess undressed from the waist down and lay on the bed. Tracy narrated each step, warning when discomfort might occur. Jess described the sensation as uncomfortable but not unbearable, and the actual sample collection took only seconds. She said, 'I couldn't believe how fast it was.'
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Jess checked her phone after leaving the surgery and saw it was exactly 4pm—her appointment had been at 3.50pm. The entire visit, from entering the building to walking out, lasted just 10 minutes.
She urges others not to put off their screening, stating: 'While it can be nerve-wracking and uncomfortable, those 10 minutes could save your life.'
Expert Advice on Managing Nerves
Helen Hyndman MBE, lead nurse at The Eve Appeal, noted that cervical screening saves around 5,000 lives annually in the UK. She explained that the test checks for high-risk HPV, which causes nearly all cervical cancers. If HPV is found, the sample is checked for cell changes that can be monitored or treated.
For those anxious about the procedure, Helen recommends asking for a different size speculum, lying in an alternative position, or booking a double appointment for extra time. Free and confidential support is available via the Ask Eve nurse service at nurse@eveappeal.org.uk or 0808 802 0019.
