Drive to get young women to take 'vital' smear tests

The smear test, designed to identify the early signs of cervical cancer, is available for all women over the age of 25.

National Cervical Screening Awareness week, run by Jo's Trust, the cervical cancer charity is aimed particularly at younger women who may not know the risks of skipping the screenings.

Prof Paul Johnstone, regional director of public health at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “It’s vitally important that women keep their appointment for their smear test. This simple test really can be a life-saver.

“If you have any symptoms which worry you, such as abnormal bleeding, pain or a discharge you should see your GP as soon as possible, rather than wait for your next screening appointment.”

NHS Yorkshire and the Humber have been working hard to try and increase the number of women attending their appointments.

Every year in the UK, over 2,800 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and nearly 1,000 women will die from the disease.

After breast cancer, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women aged 35.