Hull & Scunthorpe have some of the lowest uptake of cervical screening across Humber and North Yorkshire areas
Hairdressers and beauticians are encouraging more women to book their cervical screening appointment
Hairdressers and beauticians are encouraging more women to book their cervical screening appointment across East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire.
It's as figures show one in three women in the area don't go to their consultation.
Hull and Scunthorpe have some of the lowest uptake of cervical screening across the Humber and North Yorkshire areas.
Today marks the start of Cervical Screening Awareness Week and Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is working with hairdressers and beauticians from areas with the some of the lowest rates of uptake, to help encourage more women and people with a cervix (aged from 25 to 64) to book their cervical screening appointment.
The organisation has equipped local hairdressers and beauticians with the information needed to talk about the benefits of cervical screening,
Meg Long from Hull went to her first consultation at 25 years old and is encouraging more women to make sure they don't miss theirs:
"It's so much easier to go for that screening and know that there's no treatment needed or some minor treatment needed. Than to put it off and it become a really big issue.
"I think it's really important to normalise these issues and not see it as a taboo subject.
“Life is busy, and I could have easily let my cervical screening fall to the bottom of my to do list, especially as I was not looking forward to having it done, but I am so glad I went.
“After my appointment, I was invited back for a second screening which showed abnormal cells and HPV, so I was referred for a colposcopy and waited anxiously for the test.
“The whole thing was over much quicker than I thought it would be and all of the staff were lovely. A few weeks later, I was pleased to find out my results no longer showed HPV or abnormal cells.
“I am so glad I went for my initial cervical screening. It was not as unpleasant as I thought, and all of the NHS staff made me feel as comfortable as possible. Plus, getting the peace of mind when you get your results is worth it!”
Dr Dan Cottingham, Cancer Research UK GP Lead for Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said:
“If you have been invited for a cervical screening and have not booked an appointment yet, please contact your GP practice without delay. If you have any questions or are worried that you may find the test uncomfortable, talk to the person doing the test so they give you the right support."
Donna Finn, owner of FeMale Ego Hair and Beauty salon in Hull, said:
“My own experience of cancer meant I jumped at the chance to learn more about cervical screening. I want to support my clients to not only look good on the outside, but also be aware of how they can help look after themselves on the inside.
“I feel confident to talk about cervical screening and know I can signpost my clients to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust or the NHS website if they need more information they can trust.”