cervical cancer screening

Question 1

what age groups should be offered cervical screening?

Answer 1

25-64 years

Question 2

when do women get their first invitation for cervical screening?

Answer 2

25 years

Question 3

what age group gets cervical screening every 3 years?

Answer 3

25-49 years

Question 4

what age group gets cervical screening every 5 years?

Answer 4

50-64 years

Question 5

should women ≥65 years get cervical screening?

Answer 5

yes, if they have not had cervical screening test since 50 years of age or a recent cervical cytology sample is abnormal

Question 6

can women who are virgins choose not to have cervical screening?

Answer 6

yes, as their risk of cervical CA is low

Question 7

when should a woman be referred to the colposcopy clinic?

Answer 7

• cervical stenosis for consideration of cervical dilatation

- cervix cannot be visualised

Question 8

should transgender men who have retained their cervix be included in the national screening programme?

Answer 8

yes, unless they have made an informed decision to opt out

Question 9

what should be done if a woman has sx/signs of possible gynaecological CA?

Answer 9

urgent referral and assessment of cervix required

Question 10

what are the cervical smear samples tested for first before cytological examination?

Answer 10

tested for high-risk strains of HPV (hrHPV), cytological exam only if hrHPV +ve

Question 11

what do you do if cervical smear result comes back as ‘inadequate sample’?

Answer 11

repeat within 3 months

Question 12

what should women with HIV be offered at Dx?

Answer 12

cervical cytology

then offered annually for screening

Question 13

should lesbian and bisexual women have cervical screening as normal?

Answer 13

yes as HPV can be transmitted during genital contact or oral sex

Question 14

what do you do if 2nd repeat smear at 24 months is still hrHPV +ve?

Answer 14

colposcopy