Cervical screening, also known as a smear test, is a medical screening test designed to identify the risk of cervical cancer. The test involves taking a small sample of cells from the cervix, which is the opening to the uterus from the vagina, and checking for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of the cervix. If these types of HPV are found, the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of the cervix. These can be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer. The goal of cervical screening is to find precancerous cervical cell changes, when treatment can prevent cervical cancer from developing. One of the goals of cervical screening is to allow for intervention and treatment so abnormal lesions can be removed prior to progression to cancer. Another goal is to decrease mortality from cervical cancer by identifying cancerous lesions in their early stages and providing treatment prior to progression to more invasive disease. Cervical screening is an important part of routine health care for people who have a cervix aged 25 to 64.