Still go for smear test, says MP

AN MP is urging women to go for their smear tests, regardless of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage, who previously did a stint as a minister for the Department of Health and Social Care, has joined forces with Jo’s Trust, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity, for Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.

This week’s #SmearForSmear campaign aims to raise awareness about smear tests and what support and information is available.

Ms Dinenage says this year’s campaign is of particular importance, with women not going for their regular tests due to concerns about Covid-19.

She said: ‘I am joining the incredibly important Jo’s Trust campaign this year to remind women across Gosport, Stubbington, Hill Head and Lee-on-the-Solent how important it is to keep attending their regular cervical cancer screenings if they can.

‘I know that constituents may have valid concerns given the pandemic.

‘I recommend that they access the relevant information and support that is available to them online through the NHS and Jo’s Trust.’

Every day, more than two people die from cervical cancer and yet 99.8 per cent of cervical cancer cases are preventable in the UK.

Around seven in 10 women in the UK are eligible for cervical screening, commonly through a GP referral, and women are invited for a screening between ages 25-64.

A smear test is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cancer, says the NHS.