CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION WEEK: Make sure you get screened

In South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw approximately three in four eligible women attend for their screening appointments.

It is estimated that early detection and treatment through cervical screening can prevent up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers from developing. So if you are aged 25-49 years old and haven’t had your smear in the last three years, or are between 50 and 64 years old and haven’t had a cervical screening test in the last five years you can visit the new “Fear or Smear” website which may help answer any concerns you may have, dispel any myths or fears, and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Tracey Turner, NHS England Screening and Immunisation Coordinator and lead on Cervical Screening for South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw, said: “It is incredibly important that all women of eligible age attend their smear appointments. Research shows that younger women aged 25-49 in South Yorkshire are less likely to attend a smear test which is obviously a concern, as cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged under 35, with 8 women a day being diagnosed with the disease in the UK. It can be prevented and the best way for women to protect themselves against cervical cancer is by taking up their cervical screening appointments.

“We know that many women don’t attend their appointment for a variety of reasons, for example they are embarrassed, they are unsure of the screening process and uncertain what the test is for and why it is important.

“For anybody asking those questions I would encourage them to visit the “Fear or Smear” website where there is lots of information on preparing for your smear test, including facts about the process and stories from other women.”

Cervical screening is NOT a test to find cancer. It is a screening test to detect changes to the cells of the cervix or neck of the womb. These are called cervical abnormalities or precancer cells.

So if you have missed your cervical screening appointment you are encouraged to contact your GP to book an appointment.

Don’t let your fears stop you from taking the test. Find out more at Click here