The smear test aims to detect any changes in the cells that line the
cervix that could be caused by a human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is
very common.
Regular cervical screening is very effective in detecting cell changes at an early stage when treatment is straight forward, and in many cases the immune system will deal with the virus before it is even detected. However, if a virus is allowed to persist, it can lead to serious infection, and even, eventually, to cancer.
Regular cervical screening is very effective in detecting cell changes at an early stage when treatment is straight forward, and in many cases the immune system will deal with the virus before it is even detected. However, if a virus is allowed to persist, it can lead to serious infection, and even, eventually, to cancer.
