The Cancer Alliance in Lancashire and South Cumbria is highlighting the importance of attending cervical screening appointments as part of a national awareness campaign.
This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week (16-22 June), aimed at encouraging women and people with a cervix to take up the offer of a free, potentially life-saving appointment when invited.
The test can be crucial in detecting cervical cancer, and just like all cancers, the earlier it is detected, the more likely there will be a positive outcome for the patient.
Graeme Redshaw, a cancer primary care clinical lead in Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “Women aged 25 to 64 are automatically invited by the NHS for a cervical screening, which checks for high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - a common virus that most people have at some point in their life without realising. In most cases it usually goes away on its own, however, if left untreated, over time this can turn into cancer.
“The screening programme helps save thousands of lives every year and can be vital in finding early abnormalities that can be treated before there are even any signs of cancer.”
Mr Redshaw also highlighted the importance of screening for anyone with a cervix: “During pride month in particular, we want to urge anyone with a cervix to have their cervical screening – it can literally save lives. If your gender marker on your medical records is female, invites for screening are automatically sent out. If you are a trans man or non-binary with a cervix and you are not registered as female on your GP patient record, you can now ‘opt in’ to receive cervical screening invitations.
"You can do this by contacting your GP practice, sexual health clinic or transgender health clinic.”
Symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- Vaginal bleeding that's unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
- Changes to your vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex
- Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy
Mr Redshaw continued: “If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait for your screening invite - you should see your GP if you experience any of the symptoms.
“People with cervical cancer won’t always display symptoms, which makes it even more important to attend cervical screening assessments.
“While screenings can be uncomfortable for some, the check only takes a few minutes and ultimately it could save your life. If you are worried about the screening procedure, please get in touch with your practice – they are there to help.”
People who receive a cervical screening invite can contact their GP practice to arrange an appointment. Some sexual health clinics also offer screenings.
If you believe you are overdue your screening, please contact your GP.
More information on NHS cervical screening and how to book an appointment can be found at www.nhs.uk/cervical-screening.