Let ‘Cervical Screening’ save more lives

This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week (June 14th – June 20th) and health chiefs are raising awareness of the life-saving smear test. 

Cervical screening (a smear test) is the best protection against cervical cancer, yet over a quarter of those invited don’t take up their invitation.

It can be a difficult test for many, from those who experience pain to those with experience of trauma or who have gaps in understanding about what the test is for.

The impact of COVID-19 on the programme, and reluctance of some to access primary care over the last year have provided further hurdles. 

Local doctors would like to remind and encourage women to attend their cervical screening.

Around 2,600 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England each year, and around 690 women die from the disease, which is 2 deaths every day. It is estimated that if everyone attended screening regularly, 83% of cervical cancer cases could be prevented.

Dr Neil Smith, GP and Cancer Lead for Lancashire and South Cumbria said:

“Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix. It is not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer by detecting early abnormalities in the cervix, so they can be treated. If these abnormalities are left untreated they can lead to cancer of the cervix (the neck of the womb). I would recommend that every woman invited should have the test.  We know that on average cervical screening helps save the lives of approximately 4,500 women in England every year. The word cancer can create fear and negative emotions. By talking about it we identify these feelings and it helps to put things into perspective. Making cancer part of everyday conversations encourages people to attend appointments for cancer screening and tests or hospital reviews for suspected cancer.”

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under. Despite this, more than 20 per cent of women invited for screening do not attend. Cervical screening can prevent around 45% of cervical cancer cases in women in their 30s, rising with age to 75 per cent in women in their 50s and 60s, who attend regularly.

As well as attending for screening when you are invited, other signs to look out for include any abnormal bleeding or unpleasant discharge or pain after sex. If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment to see your doctor and get it checked out.

You can find more information and downloadable resources here (opens in a new window).