Local doctor urges women and people with a cervix to book cervical screening test
A Bristol GP is encouraging women and people with a cervix in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to book their cervical screening appointment.
As part of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (January) and Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (January 21 – 28), Dr Glenda Beard, GP and Clinical Lead for Cancer at the area’s NHS Integrated Care Board, wants people to book their cervical screening test to help prevent cervical cancer.
Dr Beard said:
“Cervical cancer can be prevented and cervical screening is an important part of this prevention as it checks for changes in the cervix that can lead to a cancer developing.
“Prioritising your own health is so important no matter how busy your days are and I hope that people will be prompted by this campaign to contact their GP practice to book themselves in.
“Sadly, two people die every day from cervical cancer in England and we know that we can change this if we support more people to attend for their cervical screening.
“The cervical screening test checks for human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cell changes that can lead to cancer if left undetected and untreated.”
Women and people with a cervix aged 25-64 are eligible for screening but we know that approximately one in three offered screening do not take up their cervical screening invite.
Dr Beard added:
“When you are invited to attend a cervical screening, I urge you to book in straight away and not leave it for a later date. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, but having your cervical screening is critical for this.
“We know that around one in three women from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities feel that more information about cervical screening would make them more likely to attend a screening. That’s why the NHS has materials available in multiple languages to help explain the process.
“All women and people with a cervix within the screening age groups, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated against HPV, regardless of sexual activity or ethnic background, are invited to have cervical screening. Cervical cancer can happen to anyone with a cervix.
“It is natural to feel nervous about attending for cervical screening. If you are uncertain about attending our practice nurses would be happy to answer any questions you have and think about any adjustments that can be made to help you such as a longer appointment or bringing someone with you. A cervical screening test takes a few minutes and may save your life.”
Many local GP practices offer cervical screening appointments in the evenings or at weekends to support people to attend who may struggle during normal working hours. Some employers have also signed up to the Eve Appeal Every Women Promise and have pledged to support women’s health in the workplace including access to cervical screening.
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, a common virus that four out of five (80%) of us will have at some point in our lives. The HPV vaccination can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer significantly but people still need to attend for their cervical screening when invited as it unfortunately doesn’t stop all cervical cancer.
HPV vaccination is available to all children in year 8 and is given during the school day, parents and carers will receive information and a consent form from the school before the vaccination team attends. If your child hasn’t been vaccinated, you can contact the School Age Immunisations Team to book an appointment of if you have left school and are under the age of 25 you can have the vaccination at your GP practice.
Information about cervical screenings, symptoms, treatments, and more can be found on the NHS website or by calling the free and confidential Macmillan Support Line on 0808 8080000 between 8am and 8pm.