NHS England has launched a campaign highlighting the importance of following up cervical cancer screening invitations, and urging local women to attend them.
Cervical Screening Awareness Week (CSAW) is a UK-wide initiative led by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting women and their families affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities.
The week aims to highlight the importance of smear tests and how attending a screening invitation can help to prevent cervical cancer.
A spokesperson from NHS England said: “It’s possible for women of all ages to develop cervical cancer, which is why it’s important that women don’t overlook their screening invitations.
“The signs of cervical cancer aren’t always obvious, but a smear test is the best way to determine the health of the cells in the cervix with regular screenings having the potential to catch the disease early. ”
Cervical screening is the most effective way of preventing cervical cancer yet across the UK, figures for 2014 show a significant drop as age increases.
For example, in England, numbers fell from 81.6% of 50-54 year olds to 74.8% of 55-59 year olds and 73.2% of 60-64 year olds.
Claire Peters, leader of the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Bristol Support group, said: “In July 2014 I was diagnosed with high grade cervical abnormalities after a regular smear test.
“I received two rounds of Lletz treatment and was then put on 6 monthly check-ups.
“The whole experience was an emotional rollercoaster but who knows what could have happened if I hadn’t gone for screening, the cells may have developed into cancer.
“This test potentially saved my life and women need to be aware of how important attending their cervical screening is.”
About 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK, which amounts to 2% of all cancers diagnosed in women.
Robert Music, Chief Executive Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “Every day we see the devastating impact a cervical cancer diagnosis has on women and their family and friends.
“For those who were diagnosed after delaying their routine screening, knowing that cervical cancer could have been prevented is tragic.
“Cervical Screening Awareness Week is a great opportunity to remind all eligible women to be aware of the importance of cervical screenings.
“It’s a five minute test that could save their life.”