Cervical cancer roadshow

The UK’s first-ever cervical cancer prevention roadshow is visiting Sunderland later this month.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust will be in the city today and tomorrow to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening.

Uptake of the potentially life-saving screening in Sunderland is low, with almost one in five women not taking up the invitation.

Last year, only 75.5% of women in Sunderland attended cervical screening, falling to one in four among 25 to 29-year-olds and 60 to 64-year- olds.

The charity’s trained roadshow team will be available to answer questions about all aspects of cervical cancer, includingthe HP V vaccination, cervical screening, and signs and symptoms of cervical cancer.

Women will also be able to find out how can reduce their risk of the disease.

Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “We are looking forward to visiting Sunderland and talking to women about the steps they can take to reduce their risk of cervical cancer and protect their health.

“Uptake of cervical screening in the city is low and if this does not change, we are potentially going to see more women being given a life changing cervical cancer diagnosis.

“Our roadshow offers free, confidential support and information about cervical cancer, cervical screening and the HPV vaccination and I want to encourage anyone with worries or questions to come and have a chat with our trained team.”

For more information, visit www.jostrust.org.uk or call the national helpline on 0808 802 8000.