This week is cervical cancer awareness week and experts at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) is urging those who have been invited to book an appointment.
Cervical screenings, or smear tests, are known to save lives by detecting cancer early. Yet in the UK nearly a third of 25 -64 year olds failed to book their appointments when invited to last year.
In Cumbria the figures are better than the national average but there are still 25% of people who are invited who do not book their appointment.
The NHS invites those eligible for screening every three to five years depending on their age, or more frequently if the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is detected, with the programme saving thousands of lives annually.
Sister Julie Thomas, an oncology nurse specialist at NCIC said: “Please do not defer your smear if it is due, attending your smear test could save your life.
“If you are not due your smear but you have developed any concerning symptoms then please make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible for examination.
“The Cervical Screening Programme helps save thousands of lives every year and I would encourage those who are invited to ensure they attend their screening. It can be vital in finding early abnormalities that can be treated before there are even any signs of cancer.
“The screenings check for high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which may cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix. It is a common virus that most people have at some point in their life without realising, and in most cases it usually goes away on its own. However, over time these cells can turn into cancer if left untreated.
“Screenings typically take place at your GP practice, and there shouldn’t be anything to worry about – staff at the practices will help you feel at ease and treat you with dignity.
“It can be a little uncomfortable but the check only takes a few minutes and it is so important.
“If you receive an invite, especially if you have missed your last screening, please make sure you book your appointment as soon as possible. A screening could ultimately save your life.”
People who receive an invite can contact their GP practice to arrange a cervical screening appointment, or they can arrange to have a smear test at one of the county’s sexual health clinics by calling 01228 608989
It doesn’t matter if you are sexually active or not, you can still be affected by cancer and you are urged to accept the invitation an book an appointment.
If you struggle to understand the information included in your invite or have concerns before attending an appointment, please speak to a health professional or cancer champion at your practice who will be able to explain, reassure and suggest information in a different format.
The NHS has pledged to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 by making it as easy as possible for people to get the lifesaving HPV vaccination and increasing cervical screening uptake.
It is still important to attend cervical screening appointments if you have been vaccinated against HPV as the vaccine does not provide protection from all types of HPV, so there is a still a small chance of getting cervical cancer.
How can you reduce your risk of cervical cancer?
- Attending cervical screening when invited.
- Knowing the symptoms of cervical cancer and seeking medical advice if experiencing any.
- Encouraging taking up the HPV vaccination for people aged 11-18.
Who can have a Smear Test?
You are automatically invited for cervical screening if you are:
- between the ages of 25 to 64
- registered as female with a GP surgery.
You are invited:
- every 3 years between age 25 and 49
- every 5 years between age 50 and 64.
You may get your first invite up to 6 months before you turn 25. You can book an appointment as soon as you get the invite.
It is very rare to develop cervical cancer if you are under the age of 25 or over the age of 64, if you have had regular cervical screening.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
- Lower back pain
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding: during or after sex or between periods
- Post menopausal bleeding
- Unusual discharge
If you have experienced any of these symptoms you should contact your GP.
More information about cervical cancer can be found here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/
Read the full report: NHS Cervical Screening Programme, England 2022-2023
Cumbria Sexual Health Services are supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. To book an appointment contact 01228 608989.