AS the cervical screening rate in Warrington falls below the national target, borough council chiefs are urging people who receive an invitation of screening to take up the offer.
Cervical screening is a test to help prevent cancer. It is offered to women and people with a cervix and it is important to be screened regularly. Yet, one in four don’t attend their cervical screening test.
The council move comes as part of this year’s Gynaecological Cancer Awareness month – September – which aims to raise awareness about, a number of gynaecological cancers, including womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal, including early detection and prevention.
The test checks a sample of cells for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). If these are found during screening, the sample is checked for abnormal cell changes that could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.
The North West has one of the lowest rates of cervical screening uptake in England and in Warrington uptake has decreased over recent years, meaning the town is now below the national target.
It is estimated that the NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves 5,000 lives per year in England. So, it’s vital not to ignore the cervical screening invitation which will come in the post when its time to book.
Cervical screening is offered to individuals with a cervix:
• Every three years for people aged 25-49 years
• Every five years for those aged 50-64 years
• more frequently if HPV or abnormal cell changes are detected.
As well as being offered through your GP, you may also be able to go to a sexual health clinic or walk-in centre for screening.
Borough Council’s cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “It’s so important to attend for your cervical screening test when you receive your invitation letter – it could save your life. It is an intimate exam – but it’s nothing to worry about. It only takes a couple of minutes and the people doing it are very experienced and are there to reassure you and answer any questions you might have.
“If you’re not sure if this the right test for you, or if you have any other questions about cervical screening, you can speak to your General Practice or access a range of information from the NHS website.”
For more information about cervical screening, including a short video about how the test is done and guidance on how to book an appointment, visit nhs.uk/cervicalscreening
