Cervical screening which is sometimes known as a smear test is the method of detecting abnormal cells within the cervix. The cervix for those who don’t know is at the entrance to the womb
This screening is used to help to prevent cervical cancer by detecting and removing abnormal cells.
At Jo’s Cervical cancer trust they want it to be possible for all women with a cervix to have the opportunity to attend the test.
Barriers to Cervical Screening
Here in the UK at the age of 25 all women are offered the opportunity to attend a cervical screening appointment every 3 years til the age of 50. Beyond this age the frequency changes.
For multiple reasons some including anxiousness, fear of the worst, difficulty booking appointment and a lack of understanding why it is important. Can all be potential reasons leading to missed opportunities.
Why is Cervical Screening Important?
1 in 20 women show some abnormal changes in the cells in their cervix.
Most of these cells would most likely return back to normal on their own but to reduce the risk of cervical cancer developing these abnormal cells are removed. 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year.
The condition is rare in women under the age of 25 hence starting the screening once you become 25.
Head to the NHS website for more information about cervical screening
How do you develop cervical cancer?
The abnormal changed in the cells within the cervix is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV)
There are over 100 different types of HPV some of which pose a higher risk of developing cervical cancer than others. If some abnormalities are detected during your screening you will automatically be referred for HPV testing. In turn, if you are found to be free from HPV then you will be screened again as usual in 3 years time. However, if you test positive you will be referred for further investigation.
cervical screening prevents 75% of all cervical cancers from developing yet 1 in 4 women do not attend.
How can you help raise awareness?
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- Share your story
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- Share an awareness post too
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- subscribe to their newsletter
- Organise a fundraising event
Alternatively share using the hashtags: @jotrust
- #SmearTestsSaveLives
- #SmearTests
- #CervicalScreeningAwarenessWeek
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