A 5-Minute Test That Could Save Thousands of Lives Every Year: Who Should Get It Done Immediately

Recently, a health authority has encouraged eligible individuals to undergo a simple health screening that could help detect hidden issues early on.

 

 

According to the Mirror, the UK's National Health Service (NHS) has urged those who qualify to undergo cervical screening—a quick and effective test that could save lives.

During the screening, you lie down while a nurse inserts a speculum into the vagina to view the cervix. A soft brush is then used to collect cervical cell samples. The entire procedure typically takes around five minutes.

On its official website, the NHS states that all women aged 25 to 64 should attend cervical screenings regularly. The recommended frequency is every three years for women aged 25–49, and every five years for those aged 50–64. Women aged 65 and over should only be screened if recent results were abnormal.

In a post on social media platform X on March 31, the NHS wrote:
“Cervical screening saves thousands of lives each year. If you've missed or not yet booked your appointment, contact your GP or local sexual health clinic today.”

The NHS explains:
“Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix and helps detect abnormal changes before they can develop into cancer. It’s not a cancer test, but a test to help prevent cancer.”

The screening looks for high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV)—a common virus that can lead to abnormal cervical cell changes. If high-risk HPV is found, the same sample is then checked for abnormal cells.

If abnormal cells are detected, they can be treated early to prevent cervical cancer from developing.

HPV is a common virus spread through sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, and shared sex toys.

While the body often clears HPV naturally without issue, some high-risk types can persist long-term and, in the worst cases, cause genital warts or cervical cancer.