If you could reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer would you?

At the start of Cervical Screening Awareness Week (Monday 11 – Sunday 17 June 2018), the NHS in North West London asks all women to attend their invitation to cervical screening (previously known as a smear test).

All women aged 25 to 64, who are registered with a GP are invited for cervical screening. If you are due a cervical screening you should have or will soon receive a letter through the post asking you to make an appointment for a cervical screening test. If you don’t have an invitation and are unsure if you are due for a screening you should contact your GP to find out.

Did you know…

• Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35 yet it is largely preventable
• having a cervical screening saves 5,000 lives a year in the UK
• cervical screening lasts five minutes but the impact of cervical cancer can last a lifetime.

Robert Music, Chief Executive, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said: “Cervical screening saves lives and is the best protection against cervical cancer. We know attending your screening is not always easy and some people find it difficult for many reasons. During Cervical Screening Awareness Week we will be addressing some of the different barriers and talking about how cervical screening can be made easier for more women and people with a cervix to attend. We’re delighted the NHS North West London is joining us in raising awareness during the week and we would encourage all women in the area to attend their screening when invited; it could save your life. If you do have any concerns or questions please call your GP or our national Helpline on 0808 802 8000.”

Do not delay! Book an appointment to have your screening with a nurse or doctor at your GP practice today, you can request a female if you prefer. Appointments are available in the evening and at the weekend across North West London seven days a week. Ask your GP practice receptionist for more details.

Cervical screening is a test to detect abnormalities that can be treated to prevent cancer developing. Being screened regularly (every 3-5 years) provides a high degree of protection against developing cervical cancer. Being screened regularly also means any abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix can be identified at an early stage and, if necessary, treated to stop cancer developing.

Dr Afsana Safa, Cancer Lead for the North West London Collaboration of Clinical Commissioning Groups adds: “Although two out of three women do attend for their cervical screening regularly, a large number of women still don’t and we want to make it easier for them. By identifying and treating precancerous abnormalities, we have the chance to reduce the number of women who develop cervical cancer.”

Have you had your cervical screening? In celebration of Cervical Screening Awareness Week join the conversation and help save the lives of others by letting them know how quick and easy it is to reduce their risks of getting cervical cancer and potentially save their life by having regular cervical screenings.

Get involved! Cut out the postcard below, take a selfie, upload to social media and #Ihadmine to help spread the word about cervical screening and save the lives of other women.

Find us on Twitter @HealthierNWL, Facebook NHS Stay Well and online www.healthernorthwestlondon.nhs.uk

For more information on cervical screening visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-description-in-brief

There is information available in various languages which further details who is eligible for screening, the cervical screening process and what screening looks for.