WOMEN are urged to attend screening tests next week to mark Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (Monday, January 21 to Sunday, January 27) after recent figures show one in four do not attend their screenings.

Cervical screening uptake on a whole in England is at a 20-year low, with uptake being particularly low in younger women aged 25 to 29 and older women aged 60 to 64, despite the fact that those registered with a GP aged 25 to 49 are invited for a cervical smear every three years, with women aged between 50 to 64 invited every five years.

Dr Paul Rose, St Helens GP Cancer lead, said: “Cervical screening saves lives; please don’t ignore your screening invitation. A smear test takes just a few minutes and most come back as normal with a view to repeating in three to five years.”

Sue Forster, director of Public Health for St Helens Council, added: “Although we have a better uptake than the Merseyside and England average, there are still a large number of women in St Helens who are not attending for their cervical smear test.

"We know that many women feel uncomfortable about the test, but being screened regularly means any problems can be found early and, if necessary, treated to stop cancer developing

“I would encourage all women who are eligible to take up their smear test invitation and for those who have missed a smear, to contact their GP to arrange an appointment.”

St Helens Council’s cabinet member for better health and community voice, Cllr Jeanette Banks, said: “I think the best thing that women can do is to keep themselves healthy. One of the ways to do that is to go and get a regular smear test.

“I have attended all my screening appointments. It is such a small amount of time for such big peace of mind to make sure you are healthy.

“Booking an appointment could literally be a live safer.”

Cervical cancer is often symptomless. However the most common symptoms are:

- Abnormal bleeding during or after sexual intercourse or between periods

- Post menopausal bleeding

- Unusual and/or unpleasant vaginal discharge

- Discomfort or pain during sex

- Lower back pain

For further information please speak to your GP or practice nurse or visit the Jo’s Trust website jostrust.org.uk.