Mum and doctor encourages South West women to take up smear invites
Dr Emma Kain took her 4 year old daughter to her latest screening
A South West mum, who works for NHS England, is encouraging women to get for their cervical screenings when they're invited.
A third of females don't take up the offer of a smear test, despite cervical cancer being the second most common for women under 35.
The NHS in the region is highlighting the importance of the screenings, which save thousands of lives every year.
Dr Emma Kain, NHS England South West’s Screening and Immunisations Lead:
“Deciding to go for your cervical screening isn’t always easy, and everyone’s experiences are different, but we know that 99.8% of cervical cancer cases are preventable, so it’s vitally important that all eligible women and people with a cervix take up their screening offer– every screen we do is potentially saving lives.
“We also know that many of those who don’t go for their screening are scared that it will be painful or embarrassing, which is why we need to talk about cervical screening with our younger generations so that when the time comes, it will be a completely easy and natural part of their healthcare journey.”
Emma took her 4-year-old daughter India to her latest screening, explaining to her how important it is to look after our bodies and that there is nothing to be afraid of.
In response, India said:
“When I’m big Mummy, I can go too!”
You can book an appointment for a cervical screening with your GP practice, even if you've missed your previous invites.