Cervical screening survey

Cervical screening (previously called a smear test) checks the health of your cervix (the opening to your womb). It helps find problems early and prevent cervical cancer. It saves about 5,000 lives each year.

Everyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64 is invited for cervical screening every 5 years. You will be invited by letter, text message, or through the NHS App.

This survey asks about:

How you felt when you were invited
What encourages you to go for screening
What makes it difficult for you to go
How we can make screening easier and more comfortable

Your answers will help improve cervical screening in Essex and make it better for others.

The survey takes about 8 to 10 minutes to complete.

Your answers are anonymous (no one can identify you).

This survey closes on 23 April 2026.

0% answered

Your cervical screening invites

Have you ever had an invite for cervical screening?

Yes

Don't know

How did you get your last cervical screening invite? (Tick all that apply)

Letter

Text message

NHS App message

Phone call

I don't remember

I have not had an invite

If you read your invite, what did you think of it? (Tick all that apply)

Clear and easy to understand

Helpful

Made me feel better

Too formal or not friendly

Confusing

Made me worried

I don't remember

Other (please specify)

What would help you book an appointment when you get an invite? (Pick up to 3)

I don't know

A link to book an appointment

Being told most results are normal

A simple explanation of HPV (a group of viruses that can cause cervical cancer)

A message from my doctor (GP)

Being told screening is free and private

Clear information about evening or weekend times

A reminder that you can still book even if you have put off or not gone before

A short video showing what happens

Information about help and support

Other (please specify)