Booklet 'Cervical Screening Pocket Guide', issued as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, 2009

Since 1988, the cervical screening in England and Wales has been a centralised programme run by the National Health Service. Over 100,000 people are involved in the programme from those as part of the invitation for screening from the healthcare professionals who take the samples, laboratory staff, logistics and computer systems managers.

This guide was aimed at those that work for or are interested in the programme. The test itself is described as well as the eligibility criteria for screening as well as information about HPV (human papillomavirus). Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by high-risk HPV. 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).