Health board advice

An NHS Lanarkshire consultant is encouraging women who have missed their last smear to contact their GP.

Public health consultant Dr Jennifer Darnborough said: “Smear testing prevents around eight out of 10 cervical cancers from developing in the first place. It is thought to save around 5000 lives a year in the UK.

“Cervical cancer most commonly affects women in their 30s and 40s but it can affect women of any age.

“Women aged between 25 and 64 receive a cervical screening invite every three to five years. But less than 80 per cent of them have taken up the offer in Lanarkshire in the past five years.

“The test only takes a few minutes and will be carried out by an experienced female smear taker.

“Over 90 per cent of us will be given the all-clear. A few women are invited back for further smears or for investigation and treatment as an out-patient. This treatment can prevent cancer from developing .

“While screening is our best protection against cervical cancer it is important to visit your doctor if you spot any symptoms. Symptoms include lower back pain, pain during sex, bleeding during or after sex or in between periods, postmenopausal bleeding and unusual vaginal discharge.”