Don’t be nervous, go have a smear

CAMPAIGN AS SCREENING INVITE NOT TAKEN UP BY ONE IN FOUR

A campaign is calling on women not to ignore their cervical screening invite, as latest figures show one in four in the East Midlands does not take up the offer.

A survey found embarrassment was the most common reason for not booking a screening appointment (42 per cent) in England and over half (60 per cent) in the East Midlands said they were nervous when they did attend.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), with the support of the NHS, has launched the Help Us Help You – Cervical Screening Saves Lives campaign, which urges those eligible, aged between 25 and 64, not to ignore their cervical screening invite, and if they missed their last one to book an appointment with their GP practice or sexual health clinic now.

About 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England each year and about 690 women die from the disease.

Previous estimates suggest screening prevents 70 per cent of cervical cancer deaths, but 83 per cent of deaths could be prevented if everyone attended regularly.

Dr Ash Banerjee, screening and immunisation lead at NHS England and NHS Improvement – Midlands, said: “There is no doubt about it - cervical screening saves lives.

“By screening for risk signs at an early stage, it means any abnormal cells can be treated quickly before they potentially develop into cancer.

“We know it can feel embarrassing or feel like something that you can easily put off but accepting your invite and getting checked could save your life. Please do speak to your GP practice about any concerns you might have as they are there to help you.”

As part of the campaign, a survey of 3,000 people eligible for screening commissioned by DHSC in England, reveals a number of concerns which prevent cervical screening.

Embarrassment was the most common reason for never having attended or missing an appointment followed by those who “kept putting it off” (34 per cent) and “being worried it would be painful” (28 per cent).

Fifteen per cent of lesbian or bisexual women over 25 had never had a smear test, compared with 7 per cent of women over 25 in general.

To help drive uptake, a film has been released featuring Loose Women panellist Linda Robson, TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, broadcaster Louise Minchin, Drag Queen Victoria Scone and female rights activist Sharon Gaffka, alongside GP and media medic, Dr Zoe Williams. Through life-saving conversations, they tackle the barriers to attending cervical screening and encourage those eligible to book their appointment when invited.

The findings from the new survey also revealed the majority (84 per cent) said the nurse or doctor put them at ease during a cervical screening and over half of respondents were surprised about how quick the test was, while 91 per cent would encourage others who are worried to go for a test.

The majority said they were glad they attended a cervical screening.

In England, NHS cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 24.5 and 49 every three years. For those between the ages of 50 and 64, screening is offered every five years.

The campaign will emphasise that screening, which only takes a few minutes, can help stop cervical cancer before it starts, and is being supported by charities, including Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

We know it can feel embarrassing or feel like something that you can easily put off but accepting your invite and getting checked could save your life