Consultant urges rise in smear tests
IAN BUNTING
An NHS Lanarkshire consultant is encouraging women who have missed their last smear to contact their GP practice, as it could save their lives.
The move came as part of last week’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, organised by the charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.
It threw the spotlight on the importance of cervical screening, commonly known as a smear test.
Celia Briffa-Watt, NHS Lanarkshire public health consultant, said: “Cervical screening works really well by picking up changes before symptoms develop and treating them.
“Smear testing prevents around eight out of 10 cervical cancers from developing in the first place.
“Cervical cancer most commonly affects women, in their 30s and 40s, but it can affect women of any age, so older women should still take part when invited.”
Women aged between 25 and 64 receive a cervical screening invite every three to five years.
However, less than 80 per cent of them have taken up the offer in Lanarkshire in the past five years.
Celia added: “We need more women to have screening to prevent more cases of cervical cancer and reduce deaths.
“The test only takes a few minutes and will be carried out by an experienced female smear taker who does this testing all the time.
“I know women will worry about the results when they have a smear test, I do too, but 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 outpatient.
“This treatment can prevent cancer from developing in the first place.”
While screening is the 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, post-menopausal bleeding and unusual vaginal discharge.
Celia stressed: “Please don’t miss the opportunity when you get your invitation. Make that appointment.”