An important change is expected in the way the NHS in England screens for cervical cancer.
Experts say it will make testing more effective and potentially save lives - but given the importance of the vital screening system, it's important that everyone who is eligible for screening, known to many as smear testing, understands the new approach.
Concern was caused this month among many by a petition calling on the Welsh government to rethink after screenings for most people were reduced from every three to every five years.
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But the move has been supported by cancer charities and public health experts, with Public Health Wales apologising for "not doing enough to explain" the reason for the change.
The same change isn't yet scheduled in England, however, it's been recommended by the UK National Screening Committee for all four nations and Cancer Research UK is predicting it will come into force here, so we've taken a look at what exactly the change means.
Routine cervical cancer testing is now taking place every five years in Scotland and Wales.
It's happened because the test used in cervical cancer screening has changed. It's now able to more accurately identify those at high risk of getting the cancer - meaning its safe for those at a lower risk to wait longer.
Previously, the test was designed to detect unusual changes in the cervix. Now, it still does that, but people are first tested for human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common infection, which most people can clear without any problems. But sometimes it isn't cleared, causing cell changes - these changes, if left untreated, can lead to cervical cancer. In this way, HPV causes virtually all cases of cervical cancer.
The new test doesn't just detect cell changes, it detects infection which could lead to potential cell changes, before they even occur. And if you don't have the infection, you're very unlikely to be at risk of getting cervical cancer within five years.
According to Cancer Research UK: "Screening every 5 years with HPV testing offers at least as good protection as the old test being offered every 3 years. Cervical cancer usually takes many years to develop and if someone tests negative for HPV, then their risk of developing cervical cancer in the next 5 years is very small.
"If a person’s sample tests negative for HPV, they will be invited back for routine cervical screening in 5 years. This is because their risk of developing cervical cancer is very low.
"But if their result indicates the presence of HPV, they will be invited back for screening sooner or referred for other tests depending on whether there are also signs of abnormal cells in the cervical sample.
"So, the new test allows women to be invited back for screening based on their risk of developing cervical cancer, rather than just their age."
At present, the NHS in England is still operating on the previous system: so, if you're aged 25 to 49, you'll still be invited for a test every three years. For those aged 50-64 it's every five years, and the tests are not recommended for those over 65, as cervical cancer is much less likely, so they won't be invited unless one of their last three tests showed abnormal results.
We asked the Department for Health if and when England may follow Scotland and Wales in following the UK recommendations. However, a spokesperson was unable to confirm a date, and told us that "Any changes made to the cervical screening programme in England would be announced in the usual way".
If the change does come in, it would mean you'd get an invitation for a smear once every five years between the ages of 25 to 65. .
However, if the test indicated you did have a high-risk HPV infection, but no cell changes, you'd be invited for another smear every year, for up to the next three years. If cell changes were spotted, you'd be invited straight away for further testing.
Doctors say this means they'll be closely monitoring those people who are most at risk.
The screenings are not themselves a test for cancer, but they can pick up warning signs, as well as sometimes identifying early cancers. This can enable cervical cancers to be caught earlier and potentially treated more successfully.
However, it's still important to keep an eye on your body and seek medical attention if you spot any changes - even if your tests have been clear.
Cancer Research UK says: "It’s important to remember that no cancer screening test is 100% accurate and a negative result doesn’t guarantee a clean bill of health.
"If you spot any changes that aren’t normal for you, speak to your doctor. Cancer screening is for healthy people who do not have any symptoms, so if you notice anything that doesn’t feel right between screens, then don’t wait for your next appointment, speak to your doctor straight away."
What are the tests like and what should I expect when I go for one?
If you've not been for cervical cancer screening before, it might seem like a daunting prospect.
But while the tests aren't most people's favourite experience, they're usually nothing to worry about.
The NHS says: "During cervical screening a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix for testing.
"The test itself should take less than 5 minutes. The whole appointment should take about 10 minutes.
"It's usually done by a female nurse or doctor.
"Before starting, they should explain what will happen during the test and answer any questions you have."
Here's what will happen at an appointment:
- You'll need to undress, behind a screen, from the waist down. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.
- The nurse will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart. Sometimes you may need to change position during the test.
- They'll gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina. A small amount of lubricant may be used.
- The nurse will open the speculum so they can see your cervix.
- Using a soft brush, they'll take a small sample of cells from your cervix.
- The nurse will close and remove the speculum and leave you to get dressed.
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