‘Time bomb’ fear as women miss vital smear tests
The spokesman added that around 15 women in every 100,000 in the borough will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, higher than the average England rate of around nine in every 100,000.
Sarah Johnson Griffiths, Halton Council’s consultant in public health, said: “Cervical screening saves 4,500 lives a year in the UK, but it could save a lot more if every eligible woman attended for their screening test.
“As a population, we are getting older, and older women in particular need to feel able to make an informed choice about their health.
“Lack of knowledge about cervical screening is putting the lives of our mums and grandmothers at risk. As we get older, it is important that we spot any abnormalities early so we have a better chance of preventing cervical cancer.
“I encourage all women, whatever their age, to make the important decision to attend their cervical screening when invited, and if you know you have missed a screening appointment, contact your GP surgery as soon as you can to book your test.”
A total of 3,207 women in the UK every year face a cervical cancer diagnosis.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is warning of a ‘ticking time bomb’ with the number of cases of cervical cancer set to rocket if uptake of screening remains the same and says that, by 2040, the number of cases nationally will have increased by 16% among 60 to 64-year-olds and 85% among 70 to 74-year-olds.
Cervical screening is available to all women aged 25-64.
A council spokesman said: “Women aged 50 to 64 are of particular concern as they are more likely to receive an advanced stage diagnosis, with nearly half of these women receiving a diagnosis at a later stage of cancer, which means more invasive treatment, poorer health outcomes and increased risk of death.
“Regular screening can prevent this.”