23 January 2018

The following information is from our partners at Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

Nationally, two women every day of the year lose their lives to cervical cancer, with 75 per cent of cases preventable through screening.

Monday, 22 January marks the start of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.  NHS Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging all local women aged 25 and over to make sure that they attend their smear test.

Dr Jo Leahy a local GP and Chair of the CCG, said: “I know that the smear test can feel a little uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it is really important that all women who receive a letter through the post attend their cervical screening test.

“The screening usually takes around five minutes where a soft brush is used to collect cells from the surface of the cervix. The cell sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis with results received within two weeks.

“Following a cervical screening test, most women’s test results show that everything is normal, however for 1 in 20 women the test shows abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. These changes don’t necessarily mean cancer, but they do mean we need to check further.

“If you’re concerned about anything out of the ordinary, it is important to talk to someone about it.  Just one conversation could lead to a cancer diagnosis at an early stage, and the earlier we can start treating cancer, the better the outcome will be.

“Ultimately, the five minutes which the screening takes could turn out to be life-saving, which is why we are encouraging all those eligible women across Telford and Wrekin Borough take positive action and make sure they have the smear test.”

It is recommended women aged 25-49 have their cervical screening test every three years and women aged 50-64 should have their test every five years. Women will receive a letter directly from the NHS through the post asking them to make an appointment for the potentially life-saving screening.

For more information about the cervical screening test, visit the NHS Choices website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/.