NHS: ‘A smear test could save your life’
FRASER WILSON
Women across the greater East Kilbride area are being urged to ensure they have had a recent smear test.
The plea comes as part of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, with one health expert saying: “It could save your life.”
NHS Lanarkshire public health consultant, Celia Briffa-Watt, is encouraging women who have missed their latest smear test to contact their GP practice and set another one up.
She told the News: “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.”
Organised by the charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, this is cervical cancer awareness week and aims to shine a light on the importance of cervical screening, commonly known as a smear test.
Women between 25 and 64-years are entitled to a cervical screening test every three-to-five years on the NHS, however, findings suggest less than 80 per cent of women 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, postmenopausal bleeding and unusual vaginal discharge.
Celia stressed: “Please don’t miss the opportunity when you get your invitation. Make that appointment.”