Cervical screening programme
The interval for routine cervical screening for 25 to 49 year olds was recently changed from three to five years.
Watch: Public Health’s Heath Protection Nurse, Theresa Thornton explains the changes
Read: Frequently Asked Questions about the programme changes
Cervical screening and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing
Looking for HPV as the first test for all screening samples was introduced into the Isle of Man Cervical Screening Programme from August 2018 and has been adopted by the UK.
HPV is a very common virus. Most women get it at some point in their lives. Some types of HPV can cause abnormal cells in the cervix.
Cervical cancer is more common if you:
- Smoke
- First had sex at an early age
- Have had several sexual partners or have had a sexual partner who has had several other partners
- Take immunosuppressant drugs (for example, after an organ transplant)
Your invitation to take part in this programme
People in the Isle of Man with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are called for screening every five years.
If you have passed the menopause, you still need to be tested to check that your cervix is healthy.
Ask your doctor for advice if you:
- Have had a hysterectomy
- Are over 65
- Have never had sex with a man
- You are not sure whether you still need to be tested
After your first screening appointment you will automatically be called back for routine screening in five years' time.
It should also be noted that your contact details are provided by your GP, so it is worth checking that these are up-to-date. For changes to any of your personal information, please contact your Registered GP Practice.
Test process
On receipt of your invitation, you should make an appointment with your GP or Practice Nurse who will carry out your test. Appointments can also be made at the Staywell Clinic by calling +44 1624 642638. If you are unable to keep the appointment please phone +44 1624 642638 between 9am to 2pm on Mondays and Thursdays. On the day of the appointment, but only after 6:15pm please telephone +44 1624 650314 to cancel your appointment.
You will receive a reminder card (for the Staywell Clinic) up to one week before your appointment. The Staywell Clinic is based in the Women and Children's Outpatients Department in Nobles Hospital.
Find out more about cervical screening from one of our Sexual Health experts
Cervical screening can often be fearful, embarrassing or uncomfortable for many people.
Cervical screening can often be fearful, embarrassing or uncomfortable for many people. You can view the Cervical Screening awareness video to find out what happens during your screening appointment, why we do it and more about what you can expect.
Results
It takes a few weeks to process your result, and you should receive a letter around four weeks after your sample was taken.
If you have not received your results within four weeks please contact the Screening Office at cervicalscreening@gov.im
For more detailed information on this programme please view our information leaflets.
If you wish to opt-out of future invitations for the Cervical Screening programme please complete this online digital form after your GP or Practice Nurse can advise or support you further in making this decision.
Screening Programme Administrator: cervicalscreening@gov.im
