Published on: 19 June 2023
This week (19-23 June) marks Cervical Screening Awareness Week and the theme ‘Let’s Talk Screening’ aims to focus on the importance of screening and to get people talking about their experiences and to dispel some of the misconceptions around getting tested and share tips and support.
Women and people with a cervix aged 25-64 are eligible for cervical screening every three years, and are urged to book an appointment at their GP practice if they missed their last one, with nearly a third (around 4.6 million in England), not taking up their latest test.
Two women die every day from cervical cancer in England. Yet it is one of the most preventable cancers and getting screened can help stop it before it starts. It has been estimated that in England, cervical screening prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths and that if everyone attended screening regularly, 83% of cervical cancer deaths could be prevented.
Dr Will Taylor, Medical Director for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: ‘For most, cervical screening tests are not painful. But if you are worried that you may find the test uncomfortable, remember you are in control and can ask your clinician to stop at any time. Cervical screening takes only a few minutes but can save your life. Don’t delay in contacting your GP or local sexual health clinic to book your screening if you are eligible’
Learn more about cervical cancer screening on the NHS website here: www.
