Booklet 'Cervical Screening Results Explained: a guide for primary care', authored by Clare Bankhead, Joan Austoker and Clare Davey published by Cancer Research UK and NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, 2003

First published in 1997, this booklet was regularly updated in line with guidance at the time. Cervical screening is a method of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities which, if left untreated, could lead to cancer in the cervix (the neck of the womb). Samples are taken from people by healthcare professionals at primary care sites such as GP surgeries. Samples are processed at laboratories by technicians known as cytoscreeners who assess the microscope slides. If further investigation is needed, follow-ups will be sent. This booklet helps people who may be coming to them with questions about their results.

Although cervical screening has been available in England since the 1960s, only in 1988 was a centralised screening programme developed.