Cancer of the cervix is the second commonest cancer in women.

Cancer of the cervix is the second commonest cancer in women. Screening for abnormal cells is imperative because the cause of cancer of the cervix is a virus. We can identify whether you have the virus and whether you have any abnormal cells that indicate an early change in the cervix and can offer you guidance and support.

If you’re thinking that it is time for a cervical health screen, Breakspear offers :

Complete Cervical Screens

We offer a comprehensive cervical screening at our hospital for the price of £135* and the results will be available to you in less than 3 weeks.

At-home HPV Testing Kit

We also offer a discreet, easy to use At-home HPV Testing Kit, which is a basic screen that will show whether you have HPV DNA starting at £45*. The results will be returned within 2 weeks.

Facts about cervical health screening

Cervical health screening is testing to check the wellbeing of your cervix. Your cervix is the narrow neck-like passage forming the lower end of the womb.

The headlines in a recent article in The Daily Telegraph read, "Vaccine for cervical cancer".  The injection may be given to girls and boys aged 11 and is expected to be available next year.  The injection is to protect against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer.  The article states that the vaccine also protects against genital warts.  Breakspear offers HPV testing, which will indicate if you already have HPV and we offer treatment, guidance and support.  Breakspear Hospital now offers this vaccine for £450.00.* .

According to the National Health Service, tests in 1 in 10 women show changes in the cells of the cervix, which may be caused by many things. Fortunately most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer.

Though cervical cancer can often be prevented, approximately 1500 women die from it in the UK every year. Cervical cancer is not limited to any particular age group. National Statistics show that the highest number of cases occur in the 15-39 age group but cases also occur in the 80-99 age range. Women who are no longer sexually active should continue to be screened for cervical cancer. Regular cervical screens can save your life.

Women of all ages who have been sexually active at any time in their life should be regularly tested for human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV causes cervical cell changes and is sexually transmitted. NHS cervical screens do not usually look for HPV, which is what often causes cancer; their screens look for abnormal cells which are usually caused by HPV in the first place.

Breakspear offers comprehensive cervical screens which look for any changes and HPV

DNA, as well as testing for cervical cell changes and HPV DNA, as well as testing for Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and bacterial vaginal infections. These screens are discreetly performed by a qualified member of our medical team.

Breakspear also offers At-home HPV Testing Kits, which are discreet and easy to use DNA, as well as testing for cervical cell

and will indicate whether HPV DNA is present.  If it is present, further tests are available which will show mRNA and HPV DNA genotyping.

The when, where and hows of full cervical screens

The best time for a cervical health screen is usually two weeks after menstruation.
With our full cervical screens, we use the most advanced technology to collect cervical cells with the Thin Prep PAP Test, which is liquid-based cytology and may not be available through the NHS. We also offer a high-profile vaginal swab which will identify all vaginal infections including Candida, trichomonas and others. These swabs may be undertaken independently of a screen if desired.

The test we use involves collecting cervical cells in a similar way to the conventional smear. We use only a disposable plastic speculum, which is incinerated after use. There is no risk of cross infection with our single-use speculum.

The procedure should be painless although some patients experience some discomfort.

The NHS states that about 1 in 10 of its tests has to be taken again due to a variety of reasons, including insufficient cells being taken in the sample. Since Breakspear started offering screens in 2003, our experienced medical staff have not had a single unsuccessful sample returned.

The sample is placed in a special container with preservative liquid and sent to a leading independent laboratory for analysis.

As part of each cervical health screen, we also offer a manual breast examination and can advise on self-examination techniques. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in England and Wales. According to National Statistics, around 11,500 women died from breast cancer in England and Wales in 2002, a rate of 30 per 100,000 women.
At the microbiology laboratory, specially trained cytoscreeners and cytopathologists analyse your cervical sample. In addition to looking for any cervical cell changes, these experts are looking for the HPV DNA, which, if present, is detectable and other abnormalities. Most NHS screens are looking only for cervical cell changes and do not investigate for the presence of HPV DNA, which if treated early enough, may prevent the development of cervical cancer.

The results are swiftly returned to Breakspear Hospital and one of our qualified physicians will then examine the results and advise you accordingly in writing. If there are infections to deal with, along with prescribing any required medication, we can develop your personalised nutritional programme to achieve and maintain a strong immunity state. Nutrition is important in helping to improve the production of protective mucous membranes and is an effective treatment for many patients with positive HPV DNA smears.

We will provide you with guidance and support throughout the whole programme.

If you would like a copy of our information sheet Time for a cervical health screen?, which provides more information about our services, frequently asked questions, more details about HPV or genital warts, you can print your own copy of our pdf, pick up a leaflet at Breakspear Hospital, email or telephone a request to our first floor reception +44 (0) 1442 867 280.

* Breakspear Medical Group reserves the right to alter prices without notice.