1 in 4 women in Norfolk and Suffolk don’t take up their cervical screening invitation
Anyone with a cervix between ages 25 and 64 is eligible for a screening
Last updated 18th Jun 2021
Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer in women under 35. According to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, two women in the UK die from the disease every day. Their reports show that regular cervical screening appointments can prevent up to 75% of instances of cervical cancer, saving 5000 lives per year.
However, 1 in 4 of us don’t respond to our screening invitations.
Dr Suzanne Phillips is a Macmillan GP who works with NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group:
“If you are one of these, I really would urge you to reconsider as it could be life saving”
Cervical Screening Awareness Week runs from 15th to 21st of June and is organised by Jo’s trust, a charity dedicated to women affected by cervical cancer or abnormalities.
Cervical screening looks for HPV, human papillomavirus, which affects around 8 in 10 of us in our lifetime. There are more than 100 types of HPV, of which at least 14 are cancer-causing
Around 3,200 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer a year.
Dr Phillips said:
“When found early, cervical cancer is really treatable. It’s really important that we do raise awareness of any symptoms that might suggest it.”
The national HPV vaccination program which is delivered in schools now includes boys as well as girls. The evidence shows that offering boys the HPV vaccine will help protect against a number of HPV-related cancers and conditions as well as helping protect anyone who is not vaccinated.
“We hope that if the cervical screening attendance increases, and together with the HPV vaccine, these two preventative things together within the next 10 years will cause a noticeable drop in cervical cancer rates and improve survival.”
If you’re nervous about booking your screening, Dr Phillips says you can let your GP know if you have any worries.
“Let them know if you’d like a woman to do the test, or if you’d like a chaperone- someone you know, nurse or another member of staff. Ask for a longer appointment if you need more time.”
“Don’t be embarrassed about talking to the nurse or doctor on the day, they’re trained to make you feel more comfortable and provide support.“
Cervical Screening Awareness Week aims to highlight the importance of regular cervical screening for women’s health. You can book your screening by contacting your GP or find out more here. And to find out more about Cervical Screening Awareness week, click here.