MSP urges women to take life-saving test

IAN BUNTING

Graham Simpson MSP is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to tackle the myths and stigma around the common virus HPV.

This year, Scotland’s cervical s c re e n i n g programme is moving to test for HPV first, a far more sensitive test that will save lives but also means many more women will be told they have HPV.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust ran its # SmearForSmear campaign during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week to tackle the misconceptions about the virus.

In the majority of cases, HPV infection goes away without doing the body any harm. However, sometimes it causes cells to change which, if not treated, could develop into cervical cancer.

Testing for HPV is a far more accurate test estimated to prevent almost 500 diagnoses of cervical cancer every year in the UK.

Central Scotland MSP Mr Simpson and the UK’s cervical cancer charity want as many people as possible to understand the importance of cervical s c reening and feel informed and comfortable when they get their results.

Mr Simpson said: “There is nothing shameful or embarrassing about HPV and being tested could save your life.”

Robert Music, chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, added: “HPV can be confusing but it is nothing to be ashamed of.

“Eighty per cent of us will get at least one type of HPV in our lives and in most cases the immune system will get rid of the infection without it causing any harm.

“We need to get the facts out about HPV and get rid of harmful myths and stigma around this really common virus.”

Happy to support Graham Simpson MSP with Robert Music, chief executive of the charity