Thousands of women in Swindon are missing out on potentially life-saving cervical screening, latest figures show.
Also known as “smear tests”, they are offered to women and people with a cervix with those aged between 25 and 49 invited every three years while those in the 50-64 age group receive an offer every five years.
Great Western Hospitals NHS Trust took to social media this week urging those who may not yet have booked their tests to contact their GP and do so.
‘In Swindon, just 68.6 per cent of women and people with a cervix aged 25-49 took up the invitation for screening in 2020/21,’ they said.
‘We want to increase this number as the screening is vitally important in helping to detect abnormalities within the cervix and prevent the potential development of cervical cancer.’
‘Local people should contact their GP surgery to book an appointment. If you’re a patient of Moredon, Abbey Meads, Crossroads or Penhill surgeries, you can book through a dedicated email swiccg.cervicalscreening@nhs.net.’
Cancer Research UK estimates that cervical screening saves at least 2,000 lives annually in the UK and studies suggest that many cancers could still be prevented by women being screened every five years instead of every three.
What is cervical screening?
Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina.
It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter.
Women will be invited to attend a screening appointment when they turn 25 and then every three years until they are 49. After that it is every five years until they are 64. After the age of 65, you will only receive an invitation if one of your last three tests was abnormal.
During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix.
The sample is checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. These are called “high risk” types of HPV.
If these types of HPV are not found, you do not need any further tests.
If these types of HPV are found, the sample is then checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can then be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.
The nurse or doctor will tell you when you can expect your results letter.
