Cancer specialists from the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust are urging women to make sure they keep their appointments for cervical screening.
Photo courtesy of the RUH
The appeal comes following national reports that women haven’t been attending appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With September being Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, staff at the RUH are taking the opportunity to remind women about the importance of attending cervical screening (smear test).
Cervical screenings help to prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus called high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), as well as identifying any cervical cell changes.
Tracie Miles, Gynaecology Cancer Nurse Specialist at the RUH, said: “Across the country, we know that some women have not been attending for cervical screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Cervical screening plays a vital role in helping to prevent cervical cancer so it is really important that women keep to their appointments.
“While we understand that many women will be anxious about attending for a screening at the moment, we want to reassure them that, should they need us after having an abnormal screening test, we are following all infection prevention and control guidelines to keep our patients and staff safe.
“I would ask any women with questions or concerns about attending their screening to get in touch so we can reassure them and talk them through the process.”
Tracie added that it was important women were aware of their own genital health and to seek advice if they noticed any changes.
You can show your support for Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month by backing the Eve Appeal charity’s Go Red campaign, which aims to encourage people to raise money by holding a Go Red event – anything from a virtual quiz, to baking for friends, or organising a group of friends or colleagues to wear red for the day.
Find out more at www.eveappeal.org.uk.
If you have any questions about your screening, call 01225 821962/824284.
